Progress and prospects of helium exploration and production in China

Helium is recognized as an important strategic resource, and analyzing the progress and prospects of helium exploration and development in China holds great significance. In this study, we analyze the current situation of helium exploration and development in China, organize the geological conditions of its typical helium-bearing gas fields (reservoirs), and discuss the prospects for helium development therein. The results indicate that associated with hydrocarbons or non-hydrocarbons, helium are usually found in both conventional and unconventional gas reservoirs. Helium-rich gas reservoirs in China span multiple strata and types, with the Ordos, Sichuan, and Tarim basins identified as three major helium-rich basins. In the compressional basins of western China, crust-derived helium predominates, followed by a small quantity of mantle-derived helium, both associated with hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons. In central China, the basins are dominated by crust-derived helium associated with hydrocarbons. In the extensional basins of eastern China, mixed crust-mantle-derived helium is predominant and is primarily associated with nonhydrocarbons. Furthermore, seven distinct helium generation-migration-accumulation patterns are identified in line with tectonic settings. Compared to other countries and regions worldwide, China exhibits unique geological conditions, resource potential, and distribution patterns for helium due to its special geological background and tectonic evolutionary history. The helium enrichment theories tailored to China’s geological conditions, an accurate understanding of helium resource potential, and innovative technologies for helium exploration and development are critical to the rapid increase in production and stable development of helium in China.