Canada's Helium Reserves Face Global Shortage

An unusual request came to Avanti Helium Corp.'s Calgary office from a potential customer in the Middle East, where most of the world's helium supply originates.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has disrupted oil and natural gas markets and led to a shortage of helium supplies.

Canada has one-fifth of the world's helium reserves but only produces about two percent of global helium due to lack of infrastructure and policies that hinder development.

The industry is urging the Canadian government to provide incentives and support to develop and sell Canada's helium resources, which can be found in pockets of nitrogen deep underground in Western Canada.