No, not really. True, tere is a limited amount on this planet. And it’s all still here except for the trivial amounts we’ve used in space craft.
As otheres have stated, there are helium wells and filtration systems for that found via natural gas wells (About 7%). The economics will drive other processes.
As an example, atmospheric liquidation at some point would be an economically viable means of recovery. The atmosphere is 0.00052% Helium... That’s a lot of Helium.
And to top it off, it’s the 2nd most common element in the universe behind hydrogen.
So it’ not serious. THe solar wind is lousey with it and if desparate enough an economic case for a space based capture system will be made.
THe guy’s whining.
Are you trying to claim that 7% of natural gas wells have economically recoverable quantities of helium? If I understood that correctly, please provide some more information.
The atmosphere is 0.00052% Helium... That’s a lot of Helium.
And most of that, is in the far upper atmosphere called the heterosphere, about 100 kilometers above the surface. Not very accessible for a ground based separation facility.
It is serious when the price of Helium rises to the point where it affects some of the trades, like the welding industry. Now, balloon usage may be a minor consumer, but a little consumer education couldn’t hurt.