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

Australia Helium Market Overview

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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 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.

Key Trends and Developments

The Australia helium market growth is driven by rising healthcare demand, especially in diagnostic imaging; expansion in space, defence, and high-tech manufacturing; emerging domestic exploration and production; and ongoing supply chain volatility due to heavy import dependency, prompting efforts toward greater local resilience and strategic sourcing.

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.

December 2024

Constellation Resources signed a research agreement with CSIRO to explore natural helium and hydrogen in Western Australia. The collaboration initially focused on the Edmund Collier and Yerrida projects, supported by CSIRO’s Kick-Start programme. Early results aimed to inform soil and gas sampling planned for 2025.

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.

August 2024

Georgina Energy announced plans to re-enter helium wells in Australia, aiming to exploit strategic gas assets amid global shortages. The company held early-stage licences, with 90% exploration completed. High helium prices and import reliance positioned Australia for potential economic and strategic gains through domestic production.

Expanding Demand from Healthcare and Diagnostic Imaging is Influencing the Australia Helium Market Dynamics and Trends

Australia’s rising utilisation of helium in medical applications, particularly for MRI scanners, has significantly driven market growth. With an ageing population and increased diagnostic infrastructure investment, demand for ultra-cold cryogens has remained strong. Helium’s non-substitutable role in superconducting magnets reinforces its strategic importance within the healthcare and life sciences sectors, ensuring steady long-term consumption.

Growth in Space, Defence and High-Tech Manufacturing is Boosting the Demand of the Australia Helium Market

The acceleration of aerospace and defence initiatives, including satellite deployment and rocket testing, has fuelled helium consumption. As Australia scales up advanced manufacturing and enters global supply chains for high-precision technologies, helium’s inert and cooling properties are increasingly critical. Government-backed investments have further supported sector expansion, solidifying helium as a core industrial input.

Emergence of Helium Exploration and Production Projects is Impacting the Australia Helium Industry Revenue

New domestic exploration in regions such as the Northern Territory and Queensland is reshaping helium supply potential. As global shortages highlight the need for secure sources, Australia’s untapped reserves offer upstream investment opportunities. Local production could reduce import dependence and position the country as a competitive player in global helium trade.

Supply Chain Volatility and Import Dependency is Driving the Australia Helium Market Expansion

Australia has historically relied heavily on imported helium, making the market vulnerable to global supply disruptions. Recent geopolitical and logistical constraints have led to price volatility, prompting end-users to seek more resilient sourcing strategies. This has created demand for local storage, distribution infrastructure, and strategic reserves to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of supply.

Australia Helium Market Trends

The Australia helium market is experiencing increased demand, primarily driven by the healthcare sector’s expansion, particularly in medical imaging. Helium is a critical component for cooling MRI, NMR, and EPR magnets, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. As advancements in medical technology continue and the Australian healthcare system grows, especially in diagnostics and imaging, the need for a stable helium supply is rising. Furthermore, an ageing population requiring frequent medical imaging procedures is further propelling the demand for helium. This trend highlights helium’s vital role in maintaining the functionality of key medical and analytical equipment in hospitals and research facilities.

Australia Helium Market Opportunities

The Australia helium market growth 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 minimise waste, enhance energy efficiency, and adopt more eco-friendly processes in extraction and transportation. 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. 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.

Market Restraints

The Australia helium market faces several challenges, including a limited domestic supply relative to major producers and geopolitical risks affecting trade and production stability. High extraction costs, environmental concerns, and technological constraints also hinder competitiveness.

Additionally, the ongoing global helium shortage impacts both domestic and international demand. Regulatory complexities, inadequate infrastructure for storage and distribution, and price volatility further constrain market growth, requiring innovative solutions to ensure long-term market resilience.

Australia Helium Market Share

Market Analysis by Phase

According to the Australia helium market report, 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. 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. Liquid helium drives technological advancements, supporting progress in fields such as healthcare and energy.

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 crucial role in creating safe breathing mixtures for deep-sea diving and medical treatments. It helps mitigate the risk of nitrogen narcosis in divers and is integral to respiratory therapies within Australia’s healthcare sector. The rising demand for efficient, safe breathing mixtures continues to support helium’s role, driving further market growth as medical and diving applications expand.

Helium’s unique ability to achieve extremely low temperatures is essential for cryogenic applications, including the preservation of biological samples and cooling superconducting magnets in MRI machines. With the expansion of Australia’s healthcare and scientific research sectors, the demand for helium in cryogenics is expected to rise. This growing requirement for helium in advanced research and medical applications will significantly drive market development in the coming years.

Market Analysis by End User

Helium plays a critical role in Australia's electronics and semiconductor sectors, particularly in the manufacturing and cooling of semiconductors, fibre optics, and advanced electronics, driving the Australia helium market growth. As technological advancements accelerate, the demand for helium is rising, stimulating sector growth and innovation. According to the United Nations Comtrade database, Australia imported diodes, transistors, and other semiconductor devices worth USD 1.36 billion from China in 2023, underscoring the importance of helium in high-tech industries.

Helium presents significant opportunities in Australia’s nuclear power industry, where it is used as a coolant for reactors, ensuring energy efficiency and safety, boosting the demand of the Australia helium market. Its inert properties help maintain stable conditions and prevent unwanted chemical reactions. Australia holds the world’s largest known uranium resources, contributing nearly one-third of the global supply. With 4,820 tonnes of U3O8 produced in 2022 (accounting for 8% of global production), the growing demand for clean energy continues to fuel helium’s importance in the 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.

Victoria Helium Market Drivers

Victoria benefited from a diversified industrial base, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and research sectors, which drove consistent demand for helium in applications such as MRI diagnostics and cryogenics. The state's strong logistics infrastructure enabled efficient distribution, while government support for innovation in medical and scientific fields reinforced helium’s strategic relevance and sustained regional demand growth.

Australian Capital Territory Helium Market Opportunities

The ACT leveraged its status as a national policy and research hub to advance helium-related applications in defence, space technology, and scientific research. Strong institutional demand from universities and government labs underpinned helium consumption. Additionally, proximity to national decision-makers positioned the ACT to benefit from funding and regulatory support for strategic helium initiatives across Australia.

Competitive Landscape

The key players in the Australia helium market include exploration and development companies focused on identifying and producing helium reserves to cater to global demand. These companies specialise in sourcing helium-rich natural gas resources and providing industrial gases, such as helium, to sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and mining. Their strategic initiatives, along with technological advancements, are driving market growth by ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality helium products.

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.