30%+ of Global Supply For THIS Commodity Just Went OFFLINE, Time to Get In?

Why It Matters

Helium’s tightening supply and exploding semiconductor demand make it a strategic asset, and Alura Energy’s green‑helium projects could capture a growing share of a market reshaped by geopolitical risk and potential U.S. policy support.

Key Takeaways

• Helium demand surges from AI‑driven semiconductor production globally
• Qatar’s refinery outage removes ~30% of global helium supply
• U.S. supplies ~44% of helium; federal reserve privatized in 2024
• Alura Energy extracts green helium with 5‑8% concentrations in Arizona
• Pipeline finish and new wells slated to lift Alura’s production

Summary

The episode spotlights a sudden helium shortage after Qatar’s flagship refinery—responsible for roughly a third of world output—was damaged, coinciding with the Strait of Hormuz disruption. With the United States now accounting for about 44% of production and the federal helium reserve sold to a private firm in 2024, the market faces tighter supply and rising prices.

Helium’s role extends far beyond party balloons: it cools MRI magnets, enables leak detection, powers rocket fuel tanks, and, crucially, provides an inert environment for semiconductor wafer fabrication—a sector booming under AI‑driven data‑center demand. This surge in semiconductor needs makes helium a strategic commodity, especially as the AI boom pushes chip production to record highs.

Alura Energy’s CEO, Ashley Lastinger, describes the company as a “green helium” producer in Arizona’s Hullbrook Basin, boasting 5‑8% helium concentrations—far above typical natural‑gas by‑products. Alura already sells helium via a contracted processing plant and is racing to repair its Saddle Horse Draw pipeline, bring six wells online, and commence drilling at Navajo Springs and seismic work at Porco Ridge.

For investors, the confluence of supply constraints, rising industrial demand, and potential U.S. policy shifts to re‑classify helium as a critical mineral creates a compelling growth narrative. Successful execution of Alura’s low‑risk development plan could position the firm as a key domestic supplier in a market where geopolitical shocks have exposed severe vulnerabilities.

Original Description

Ashley Lastinger, CEO of Altura Energy (OTCQB: ALTUF | TSXV: ALTU) breaks down how one third of the world's helium supply has gone offline due to the war in Iran, and she believes this could put major upward pressure on prices ahead. Ashley explains how Altura Energy fits into the picture, as they are currently producing helium in Arizona, along with exploring for new deposits of this incredibly vital commodity.

Altura Energy Website: https://www.alturaenergycorp.com

Follow Altura Energy on X: https://x.com/AlturaEnergyCo

Disclaimer: Commodity Culture was compensated by Altura Energy for producing this interview. Jesse Day is not a shareholder of Altura Energy. Nothing contained in this video is to be construed as investment advice, do your own due diligence.

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Why Helium is Vital

02:19 Iran War Impact on Helium

03:33 What Do Supply Chains Look Like Now?

05:31 Helium Security in America

08:08 Altura Energy's Role

09:00 Projects in Arizona

11:30 Team Behind the Company

12:47 Main Catalysts for 2026