Canada's Helium Industry Takes Off

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 5, 2025

Helium mining for quantum computing purposes has gained increasing attention, especially in technologically advanced regions like Vancouver, BC. This area is becoming a focal point for innovation due to its vibrant tech ecosystem and research institutions.

Quantum computers often require helium because helium, especially in its liquid form, is essential for achieving ultra-low temperatures necessary for quantum hardware to function properly. Quantum bits, or qubits, are highly sensitive to temperature and environmental disturbances. To maintain their quantum state (coherence), they must be kept at temperatures close to absolute zero.

Liquid helium, particularly helium-4 and helium-3, are used as coolants because they have extremely low boiling points. Helium-4, boiling at around -269°C (-452°F), is commonly used in cryogenic cooling systems for superconducting qubits, which need to be cooled to millikelvin temperatures to operate effectively. Helium-3, a rare isotope of helium, is even rarer and is used in more advanced systems requiring temperatures below those achievable with helium-4 alone.

This cooling process reduces thermal vibrations that could interfere with qubits, ensuring they remain stable long enough to perform complex computations. Without helium-based cooling, many of the current quantum computing technologies would be impossible to operate reliably.

While Canada does not have extensive reserves of helium, its western provinces, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, have actively engaged in helium extraction. These areas are focusing on exploiting helium resources from natural gas fields, where helium is present as a byproduct.

Saskatchewan now boasts the largest helium production facility in Canada, recently launched near Battle Creek. Owned by North American Helium Inc. (NAH), this $32-million plant is set to produce over 50 million cubic feet of purified helium annually for commercial use. This output is sufficient to fill approximately 400,000 party balloons daily.

However, helium's applications extend far beyond festive occasions. It plays a crucial role in medical research, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, fibre optics, and developments in nuclear power generation. "This facility will create and support local jobs, enable the province to scale up helium production, and grow export capacity," stated Bronwyn Eyre, Saskatchewan's energy and resources minister.

The facility's opening marks a significant step forward in Canada's helium production capabilities, reinforcing Saskatchewan's contribution to this vital industry. The technical operations (TechOps) team at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) are leaders in helium conservation and recycling at The University of British Columbia (UBC), making the institute a model for how to effectively manage supply issues during challenging times.

Helium is a byproduct of natural gas refinement, and while it is abundant in the universe, it is not a renewable resource here on Earth: due to a series of disasters affecting helium production around the world, the gas has been in short supply. In addition, despite there being an oil and gas industry in Canada, until recently, Canada did not produce helium. This is one of the reasons why helium is very expensive.

The interest in moon helium mining, set to potentially commence by 2030, is spearheaded by international collaborations and organizations like NASA, ESA, and private aerospace companies. The moon's surface is rich in helium-3, offering a promising resource for future energy solutions and advanced technologies, including quantum computing.

Investing in helium can be approached through various avenues. Investors might consider participating in stocks of companies involved in helium extraction, exploration, and technology companies leveraging helium for quantum computing advancements. Additionally, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focusing on rare gases and technological advancements may provide investment opportunities.

Looking beyond current methodologies, the development of room-temperature quantum computers remains a technological frontier. Should quantum computing evolve to no longer require helium, the demand could shift, impacting helium's value and investment focus. This evolution would necessitate adaptive strategies for investors and industries reliant on helium.

In conclusion, while the current demand for helium is strong, especially with quantum computing’s rise, technological advancements could reshape its future role. Stakeholders and investors are advised to stay informed about technological breakthroughs and market dynamics, ensuring their strategies remain aligned with future developments.

#Helium Production #Quantum Computing #Canadian Innovation #Saskatchewan Helium #Future Tech #Space Exploration #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788