US designates helium critical material for semiconductors

The Energy Department designated helium a critical material, citing its essential role in semiconductor manufacturing and energy technologies, along with the risk of supply disruptions. The designation can make federal financing more available to helium producers and lead to closer government monitoring. Although the United States is the world’s largest helium producer, limited domestic refining capacity constrains supply, while disruptions to exports from Qatar and Russia have heightened concerns about global availability. The move is part of the administration’s effort to strengthen domestic supply chains and manufacturing.