Helium Reserves by Country
The United States more than doubled its reported helium reserves in a single year — 2021 — and has not touched the figure since. The figures come from the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026 and describe estimated quantities that can be economically extracted. What the table records is potentially recoverable material, not the amount produced in a given year. Listed reserves totaled 12,424 million cubic meters in 2025.
The United States holds 8,500 million cubic meters — more than double the other four countries combined (3,924). Algeria (1,800) and Russia (1,700) sit nearly tied for second, with South Africa (400) and Poland (24) far below. The ranking spans 24 to 8,500 — more than a three-hundred-fold range. The United States reported 3,900 million cubic meters from 2018 through 2020, then 8,500 for 2021 — an addition of 4,600 (+117.9%) that still defines the ranking. Every value since has been identical, leaving that 2021 increase as the defining change in the table. Algeria has reported 1,800 million cubic meters and Russia 1,700 in all eight years shown. Poland wobbled between 23 and 25 before settling at 24 — a tiny change compared with the much larger reserves held by the other countries. Nothing in the table moved between 2024 and 2025. South Africa reported a reserve figure for the first time in 2025 with 400 million cubic meters — about 3.2% of the listed total, yet more than sixteen times Poland's 24. It slots directly into fourth place on debut. Figures come from the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026. The 2025 reserve figures are those reported in the 2026 edition. Units are million cubic meters, exactly as reported. Blank entries indicate that the source reported no value; they are not zeroes. No world total is published for helium in the 2026 edition, so shares are computed against the sum of the listed countries. Reserves and production are different measures and should not be combined without equalizing units.
Helium Reserves by Country
1
8,500
2
1800
3
1700
4
400
5
24
The 2021 doubling
Two flat series, one small change
A late entrant
Helium Reserves by Country
#
1
3,900
3,900
3,900
8,500
8,500
8,500
8,500
8,500
2
1800
1800
1800
1800
1800
1800
1800
1800
3
1700
1700
1700
1700
1700
1700
1700
1700
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
400
5
25
25
23
24
24
24
24
24
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
What are helium reserves?
Helium reserves are estimated quantities of helium that can be economically extracted under applicable conditions, in million cubic meters. Production measures the amount mined in a year.
Which countries hold the most helium reserves?
The United States (8,500 million cubic meters), Algeria (1,800) and Russia (1,700) reported the largest 2025 values.
When did the US figure change?
The United States rose from 3,900 to 8,500 million cubic meters in 2021 (+117.9%) and has reported 8,500 in every year since.
Which country reported helium reserves for the first time in 2025?
South Africa reported 400 million cubic meters of helium reserves for the first time in 2025.
Is there a world total?
No — USGS publishes no world total for this series.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 16.09.2026https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/mineral-commodity-summaries
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