Helium is a rare, non-renewable gas critical for applications in medical imaging, electronics manufacturing, aerospace, and scientific research. Due to limited global supply and increasing demand, helium exploration and production companies are gaining investor interest. While some large producers dominate the market, several small-cap and under-the-radar companies are developing promising helium projects. Here are top helium exploration stocks worth watching in 2025.
Why invest in helium?
- Supply-demand imbalance: Global helium supply is tight due to limited production sources and growing demand.
- Strategic importance: Helium is vital for MRI machines, fiber optics, space exploration, and semiconductor manufacturing.
- Limited recycling: Helium is difficult to recycle, increasing dependence on primary production.
- Emerging projects: New discoveries and exploration in stable jurisdictions provide growth opportunities.
Under-the-radar helium exploration stocks
1. Avanti Energy Inc. (TSX-V: AVN)
- Region: Alberta, Canada
- Project: East Coast helium project with significant gas and helium volumes
- Why watch: Early-stage exploration with multiple leads and acreage in a known helium-rich basin
2. Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (TSX-V: DME)
- Region: Arizona, USA
- Project: Big Sandy helium project with historic production and current development plans
- Highlights: Drilling underway to delineate helium reserves; strategic partnerships in place
3. Grand Gulf Energy Ltd. (TSX-V: GGE)
- Region: Utah, USA
- Project: Great Basin helium project in a proven helium province
- Strengths: Multiple drill-ready targets; active exploration campaign
4. Quest Energy Inc. (TSX-V: QEI)
- Region: Alberta, Canada
- Project: Helium prospects in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin
- Potential: Leveraging existing infrastructure and industry relationships for low-cost development
5. Titan Helium Inc. (TSX-V: THT)
- Region: Arizona, USA
- Project: Arizona helium acreage with historic helium shows
- Focus: Early exploration with plans for delineation and resource estimation
6. TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. (NASDAQ: TAT)
- Region: Turkey, USA
- Exposure: Holds helium-rich gas assets and production interests
- Status: Small producer with growth potential through helium extraction
7. Blue Star Helium Ltd. (TSX-V: BSH)
- Region: Utah, USA
- Project: High-grade helium wells with proven reserves
- Advantage: Existing production and plans to scale output
Investment considerations
- Exploration risk: Helium exploration is still relatively niche with geological uncertainties.
- Infrastructure: Proximity to processing facilities and markets impacts project economics.
- Market prices: Helium prices can be volatile, influenced by supply disruptions and new plant startups.
- Regulatory environment: Stable jurisdictions with supportive mining policies are preferable.
- Partnerships and off-take: Agreements with industrial gas companies improve project viability.
Helium’s strategic importance and supply constraints create opportunities for early-stage explorers with promising geology. While these stocks carry exploration and market risks, they may offer significant upside as helium demand continues to grow globally.