For a century, the U.S. Government-owned the largest helium reserve in the country, but the biggest exporters now are in Russia, Qatar and Tanzania. With this new discovery, Minnesota could be joining that list.

“A dream. It’s perfect”: Helium discovery in northern Minnesota may be biggest ever in North America::For a century, the U.S. Government-owned the largest helium reserve in the country, but the biggest exporters now are in Russia, Qatar and Tanzania. With this new discovery, Minnesota could be joining that list.

  • I_Has_A_Hat@lemmy.worldEnglish
    55·
    10 个月前

    The helium used for balloons is not the same type of helium used in medical and scientific equipment.

    • DrRatso@lemmy.mlEnglish
      3·
      10 个月前

      Wdym? The only difference is the helium gas used in more serious applications is more pure. Its helium all the same.

        • DrRatso@lemmy.mlEnglish
          3·
          10 个月前

          Helium-3 is not used in general applications, its uses are far more niche, it is much more rare than helium 4. For most applications, when we talk about helium being used we mean plain old helium-4. MRI machines and balloons both use helium-4.