Australia Helium Market Growth Analysis - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

Australia Helium Market Trends

The growth of the Australia helium market is driven by helium's wide-ranging applications across medical, scientific, and industrial sectors, offering substantial economic benefits. It plays a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in MRI machines, improving diagnostic capabilities. Australia's helium resources also support space exploration and satellite technologies. Philips' research revealed that the APAC region led sustainable healthcare practices, outpacing global averages in emissions reduction and waste management. A 2024 survey of 3,000 healthcare leaders showed that 99% prioritised environmental impact reduction, with many focusing on carbon neutrality, renewable energy, and recycling to drive sustainable healthcare innovation.

The Australia helium market revenue is impacted as helium generates both direct and indirect employment in industries such as mining, logistics, and research. With abundant helium resources, Australia has the potential to become a major global exporter. Helium also enhances energy efficiency through cooling systems and is essential for technological innovation and scientific research, especially in physics and cryogenics, positioning Australia as a leader in advanced development.

Australia Helium Market Growth

The opportunities in the Australia helium market are strengthened by its environmental advantages, making it a preferred alternative to other gases with minimal impact on the atmosphere. It aids renewable energy progress by supporting energy storage technologies, such as high-efficiency batteries. In industrial applications, helium promotes safety by creating non-flammable environments. Helium exports contribute to Australia's economy and trade balance, while increased investment in production could enhance its position in the global helium market. The Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre reported that Australia has an estimated 3.6 billion cubic meters of helium in its natural gas reserves, enough to cover 21 years of global consumption.

The growth of the Australia helium market drives infrastructure development, including pipelines and storage facilities, to meet rising demand. Sustainable extraction methods are being prioritised to ensure supply while minimising environmental impact. As the helium sector expands, it fosters innovation and supports the growth of Australian startups.

Australia Helium Market Insights

• Australia has extensive helium deposits, with commercial production at the Bayu-Undan gas field in the Bonaparte Basin. Helium is extracted at ConocoPhillips' LNG plant in Darwin. The country holds an estimated 3.6 billion m³ of helium in natural gas, covering 21 years of global consumption.
• Australia's natural gas resources, spanning Surat, Gunnedah, Carnarvon, Canning, and Perth basins, are among the most promising for helium production. These basins collectively contribute significantly to the nation’s helium supply, with helium accounting for a valuable component in natural gas extraction.
• Gold Hydrogen's Ramsay Project has demonstrated up to 6.8% helium concentration in raw gas, with an estimated 96 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in reserves. This discovery adds to Australia’s helium reserves, supporting future supply and positioning the country as a key player in the global helium market.

Australia Helium Market Drivers

The demand for the Australia helium market is boosted as healthcare sector is growing, mainly due to its use in MRI machines. Helium is crucial for cooling the magnets in MRI technology, ensuring optimal performance. As the Australian healthcare system expands, particularly in medical imaging and diagnostics, the need for a steady helium supply continues to rise. This demand is driven by advancements in medical technology and an aging population requiring more frequent medical imaging, further boosting helium requirements in Australia. Helium is used in hospitals and facilities for cooling MRI, NMR, or EPR magnets and calibrating analytical instruments.

Opportunities in the Australia Helium Market

The Australia helium market is increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmental impact. Companies are investing in green technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of helium extraction and production, with efforts to minimize waste, enhance energy efficiency, and adopt more eco-friendly processes in extraction and transportation. As awareness grows about the environmental effects of natural resource extraction, the helium industry in Australia is shifting towards more sustainable operations, driven by market demand and regulatory pressures. This aligns with global sustainability goals, ensuring the market’s long-term viability. BOC Limited has opened a helium production facility in Darwin, producing around 4.25 million standard cubic metres of helium annually.

Market Restraints

The Australia helium market faces several challenges, including limited domestic supply compared to major producers, and geopolitical risks that can affect trade and production. High extraction costs, environmental concerns, and technological limitations make helium less competitive. Additionally, the ongoing global helium shortage impacts both domestic and international demand.

Regulatory hurdles and the underdeveloped infrastructure for storage, transportation, and distribution further hinder market growth. Competition from global leaders like the US and Qatar, combined with price volatility, makes long-term planning difficult for Australian producers. These factors collectively restrict the market’s potential, requiring innovation and strategic solutions to overcome these barriers.

Australia Helium Market Share

Market Analysis by Phase

According to the Australia helium market analysis, liquid helium plays an integral role in various applications such as cryogenics, superconducting magnets, and MRI machines due to its ability to reach extremely low temperatures. This makes it essential for scientific research, medical diagnostics, and advanced technology sectors. Liquid helium drives technological advancements, supporting progress in fields such as healthcare and energy. In July 2023, Mosman Oil and Gas Limited entered a non-binding agreement with Beijing Sinoscience Fullcyro Technology and Beltway Group for potential helium offtake from its EP 145 exploration block in the Amadeus Basin.

The growth of the Australia helium market is further accelerated by the widespread use of helium gas in various sectors, such as balloon filling, cooling systems, and chromatography. Its non-flammable nature ensures safety in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and medical applications. The demand for helium gas supports industrial innovation, boosts energy efficiency, and enhances Australia's export potential. In February 2024, Gold Hydrogen confirmed a significant helium discovery at its Ramsay project in South Australia, estimating an initial 96 bcf from just 25% of the project area. The high-quality helium reserves were validated by drilling results, further strengthening the market’s growth prospects.

Market Analysis by Application

According to the Australia helium market report, helium plays a vital role in creating breathing mixtures for deep-sea diving and medical purposes. It helps reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis in divers and is used in medical respiratory treatments, benefiting Australia’s healthcare sector. The increasing demand for safe, efficient breathing mixes supports the helium market.

Helium’s ability to achieve extremely low temperatures makes it essential for cryogenic applications, such as preserving biological samples and cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines. As Australia’s healthcare and scientific research sectors expand, the demand for helium in cryogenics is anticipated to grow, further developing the market.

The demand for the Australia helium market is increased as helium’s low molecular weight and non-reactivity make it perfectly suited for leak detection. It is commonly used to identify leaks in high-pressure systems such as pipelines, gas tanks, and vacuum systems. With the rise in industrial activity across Australia, helium’s role in leak detection is critical for maintaining safety and operational efficiency in various industries.

Market Analysis by End User

The Australia helium market growth is boosted as helium is a key contributor to the Australian aerospace and aircraft industries, being essential for inflating airships, weather balloons, and supporting rocket propulsion systems. Its low density and non-reactivity are ideal for cooling and providing buoyancy, ensuring safety and efficiency, which drives growth in the Australian helium market.

In Australia's electronics and semiconductor sectors, helium is vital for manufacturing and cooling processes of semiconductors, fibre optics, and advanced electronics. With ongoing technological advancements, the demand for helium continues to rise, fostering growth and innovation in the sector. In 2023, Australia imported diodes, transistors, and other semiconductor devices worth USD 1.36 billion from China, as per data from the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade.

The Australia helium market opportunities are increasing as helium also plays an important role in Australia's nuclear power industry, acting as a coolant for reactors to ensure efficient energy production and safety. Its inert properties help maintain stable conditions by preventing unwanted chemical reactions. Australia holds the world’s largest known uranium resources, accounting for nearly one-third globally. In 2022, it produced 4,820 tonnes of U3O8, ranking fourth globally with 8% of uranium production. The increasing demand for clean energy in Australia drives helium demand, reinforcing its importance in the nuclear power sector.

Australia Helium Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Helium Market Overview

New South Wales is seeing growing potential in the helium market, spurred by exploration efforts and rising demand across various industries. This expanding market presents opportunities for investment, innovation, and economic growth, particularly in healthcare and research. In January 2025, Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of New South Wales reported high levels of natural hydrogen and helium, highlighting the benefits of the Australian Government’s USD 3.4 billion Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative.

Queensland Helium Market Trends

Queensland's helium market is experiencing growth due to increased exploration and production, alongside rising demand across industrial and medical sectors. The state is becoming a key player in the global helium supply chain. Additionally, the Queensland Semiconductor Initiative (QSI) is establishing Australia’s first semiconductor facility, enhancing domestic manufacturing to meet growing demand and support local industries and defence.

Western Australia Helium Market Dynamics

Western Australia boasts substantial helium reserves, presenting substantial growth opportunities. The state's helium market benefits from improved extraction technologies and rising global demand, particularly from aerospace and healthcare sectors. As the Southern Hemisphere's hub for space operations and exploration, Western Australia has supported global space agencies and the commercial space sector for over 60 years.

Competitive Landscape

The Australia helium market key players include exploration and development companies focused on identifying and producing helium reserves to meet global demand. These companies specialise in discovering helium-rich natural gas resources and providing industrial and specialty gases, including helium, to industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and mining. Their efforts are directed at supplying high-quality gas products, driving market growth through strategic initiatives and technological advancements.

Key Industry Players

Blue Star Helium Limited: Blue Star Helium Limited is an Australian-based helium exploration and development company focused on identifying and producing helium reserves. The company aims to contribute to the growing global demand for helium through its strategic projects. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, it was established in 2011 and is dedicated to advancing helium production in the region.

Noble Helium Limited: Noble Helium Limited is an Australian helium exploration company with a focus on the discovery and development of helium-rich natural gas resources. With its operations primarily in Africa, the company aims to be a key player in the global helium market. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

Coregas Pty Ltd.: Coregas Pty Ltd is a leading Australian gas supplier that provides industrial and specialty gases, including helium, to various industries. The company focuses on delivering high-quality gas products to sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and mining. Established in 1997, Coregas is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and is a subsidiary of the Wesfarmers Group.

Recent Developments

February 2025

Thor Energy acquired 80.2% of Go Exploration, a hydrogen and helium explorer holding the PEL 120 licence in South Australia. The project is central to Thor's clean energy strategy. PEL 120, located near notable discoveries by Gold Hydrogen, targets hydrogen and helium resources and is seen as a premier site globally.

October 2024

Gold Hydrogen’s discovery at the Ramsay-1 and Ramsay-2 wells in South Australia revealed helium concentrations of up to 17.5%, supporting an estimated 41 bcf of helium in PEL 687. This positions Gold Hydrogen as a key player in the global helium market, with potential significant contributions to both local and global supplies.