Another solid milestone in the diversification of the economy and revenue sources for public finances—beyond the substantial proceeds from oil and gas. Alongside mineral resources (phosphate, lithium, iron, lead, zinc, rare earths that have drawn strong interest from the United States, among others), Algeria can now add a rare gas to its portfolio: helium, a critical input across many strategic sectors.
Algeria is consolidating its status as a heavyweight in the global energy market. According to the latest data, national helium production has reached 11 million cubic meters, compared with total global output of 180 million cubic meters—underscoring the country’s growing footprint worldwide. Most notably, the extraction of this rare gas is directly linked to liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Algeria produces and exports large volumes of LNG and, depending on the period, even leads the European market. This position is driven primarily by the giant Hassi R’Mel field—one of the largest gas reservoirs in the world—which enables annual production of around 50 million cubic meters. This output places Algeria third globally and second among Arab countries, just behind Qatar.
According to a study by Attaqa (based in Washington), the combined output of Algeria and Qatar accounts for 42% of helium production in the Arab world. Beyond current extraction levels, underground reserves are equally significant. Data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) rank Algeria third globally—after the United States and Qatar—in terms of reserves, estimated at 8.2 billion cubic meters.
Algeria thus outpaces major players such as Russia, Canada and China. Regionally, total Arab helium reserves are estimated at 18.3 billion cubic meters, representing nearly 35% of global reserves, which are put at around 52 billion cubic meters.
While the European market remains Algiers’ primary customer, the country is also looking further afield. In March 2025, Chinese company Fullcryo signed a strategic agreement with Algeria to import liquid helium. The deal also includes an advanced technical partnership covering extraction and liquefaction processes, as well as expertise sharing.
Helium’s strong demand stems from its essential role in high-tech industries. In healthcare, it is indispensable for cooling MRI machines; in technology, it is used to manufacture semiconductor chips and fiber optics (high-speed internet); in aerospace and defense, it is integral to the design of critical components and scientific maintenance; and in exploration, it is crucial in gas mixtures for deep-sea diving.
The highly lucrative helium potential of Algeria and Qatar is whetting appetites elsewhere. This February, Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with a British company to explore helium in the Dead Sea area.
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