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Avanti Helium Urges U.S. Government to Designate Helium as a Critical Mineral Amid Rising Supply Risks

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Mar 13, 2026 · 07:00 AVN · 0.34 Avanti Helium Corp.
AVN · Price

Executive Summary

  • Avanti Helium Corp. reiterated its September 2025 request that the U.S. designate helium as a Critical Mineral, citing growing geopolitical supply risks.
  • The company highlighted declining U.S. domestic production (from ~82 M m³ in 2020 to 68 M m³ in 2024) and projected near‑doubling of global demand over the next decade.
  • Avanti emphasized that its Sweetgrass Helium Project in Montana, slated for first production in 2026, will provide a secure North American supply source.

Key Details

  • Critical Mineral Request: Formal petition to the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey to add helium to the U.S. Critical Minerals List under the Energy Act 2020 criteria.
  • Supply‑Risk Narrative: Current global helium output is concentrated in Qatar and Russia; U.S. domestic output has fallen 14 % since 2020, while demand accelerates across semiconductor, aerospace, medical imaging, quantum computing, and defense sectors.
  • Strategic Importance: Helium is essential for rocket propulsion, missile systems, space launch operations, cryogenic sensors, nuclear material detection, deep‑sea naval missions, and battlefield communications.
  • Domestic Production Outlook: Sweetgrass Helium Project (Montana) expected to commence production in 2026, targeting delivery directly to U.S. markets.
  • CEO Statement (Chris Bakker): Emphasized helium’s role as a “strategic resource” and the need for domestic supply to safeguard national security and economic competitiveness.
  • Forward‑Looking Elements: Timing of Sweetgrass plant construction, anticipated production start‑up in 2026, and potential benefits from a Critical Mineral designation (e.g., accelerated investment, enhanced financing options).

Notable Quotes

“Helium is not just an industrial gas—it is a strategic resource that underpins critical industries across the U.S. economy… Projects like Sweetgrass represent a rare opportunity to strengthen U.S. supply security while supporting industries that are essential to economic growth and national security.” – Chris Bakker, CEO

Read the original news release →

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