U.S. designates helium a critical material, days after 60 Minutes report
Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy has officially labeled helium as a critical material because it is vital for making advanced technologies like semiconductors. This move comes after a shortage caused by attacks on helium supplies in the Middle East, and it allows more federal support to helium producers to secure the supply chain.Key Facts
- The Energy Department named helium a critical material due to its importance in technology and energy sectors.
- Helium is used in making semiconductors, smartphones, cars, MRI machines, and other high-tech products.
- The U.S. is the largest helium producer in the world.
- Supply problems started after Iranian strikes damaged a gas facility in Qatar and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz in early 2024.
- Critical materials must have a high risk of supply disruption and be essential for energy technologies.
- Helium cannot be easily replaced in key uses like semiconductor manufacturing, gas leak testing, and quantum computing.
- The designation helps provide more federal funding and support to helium producers in the U.S.
- The last material added as critical was metallurgical coal in 2025, making helium the 20th material on the list.
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