HN Explorer

Anyone know how long it will take to re-start Qatar's helium plants?

10 points by megamike ↗ HN
The helium shortage for the world outside the US is going to be debilitating for technology oriented production. Since the US produces most of the worlds helium, it actually acts as a counter measure to our reliance on rare earths. Globally, helium has been in short supply for over a decade. Taking out the supply from Qatar is going to disrupt production of chipsets quickly. Anyone know how long it will take to re-start Qatar's helium plants?

7 comments

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JasonADrury
Nobody knows. If Trump follows through with his latest threat, the answer could feasibly turn out to be "decades".
atmosx
you said “latest thread” and I like “didn’t he called for a truce” the I see this comment was three days ago… obviously he has said everything and the opposite by now.
giantg2
Extensive damage resulting in years to repair and replace, resulting in a 14% reduction in exports (a 5% reduction in global supply). Other shutdown is variable, based on the conflict.
lapalapa
We'll see, the war is not yet over. Maybe years.
fiftyacorn
They need to build a few smaller plants rather than one huge plant

Will this set back AI as chip costs increase?