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JIA Lingxiao, MA Bing, WANG Huan, YU Yang, XU Jiajia, CHEN Jing, XING Jiayun. Progress and utilization status of global helium exploration and development[J]. GEOLOGY IN CHINA, 2022, 49(5): 1427-1437. DOI: 10.12029/gc20220505
Citation: JIA Lingxiao, MA Bing, WANG Huan, YU Yang, XU Jiajia, CHEN Jing, XING Jiayun. Progress and utilization status of global helium exploration and development[J]. GEOLOGY IN CHINA, 2022, 49(5): 1427-1437. DOI: 10.12029/gc20220505
shu

Progress and utilization status of global helium exploration and development

  • 1.

    Geoscience Documentation Center, CGS, National Geological Library of China, Beijing 100083, China

  • 2.

    Information Center of Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 100036, China

  • 3.

    Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China

Funds: 

the project of China Geological Survey DD20221822

More Information
  • Author Bio:

    JIA Lingxiao, female, born in 1990, assistant research fellow, engaged in mineral resources management research; E-mail: jialingxiao@mail.cgs.gov.cn

  • Corresponding author:

    MA Bing, female, born in 1967, research fellow, engaged in mineral resources management research; E-mail: mabing@mail.cgs.gov.cn

  • Received Date: February 22, 2022
  • Revised Date: September 11, 2022
  • Available Online: September 25, 2023
    Graphical Abstract
    • Abstract

  • This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

    Objective 

    Helium is more and more widely used in scientific research, medicine and high-tech industries because of its unique physical properties. It is the responsibility of the geological industry to find more helium resources to meet the market demand.

    Method 

    According to the principle of statistical analysis, the global helium exploration results and supply and demand situation are sorted and summarized.

    Results 

    The distribution of helium resources in the world is extremely uneven. The main helium suppliers are the United States, Qatar, Russia and so on. Recently, many companies have begun to carry out helium exploration and development in North America, Russia, Qatar and Tanzania. Helium resources in some parts of North America are located in nitrogen rich reservoirs and have broad development prospects. Global helium exploration activities have set off a new upsurge.

    Conclusion 

    In 2021, there was a supply gap in the global helium market, and the growth of global helium demand began to shift to Asia and the Middle East. It is suggested to pay great attention to the non-renewability and irreplaceability of helium, carry out helium resource potential evaluation project, explore the prospect of domestic non hydrocarbon helium deposits, strengthen international cooperation, carry out underground space evaluation and site selection of domestic helium reserves, and enhance China's helium storage capacity.

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