Qatar helium production shutdown threatens global chip supply chain, SK hynix forced to diversify
By
johnbarron
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
QatarEnergy's helium production facility at Ras Laffan remains offline nine days after Iranian drone strikes, causing supply disruptions that threaten South Korea's chip industry. The shutdown of one of the world's largest helium production sites has put the semiconductor supply chain on a two-week timeline, with SK hynix forced to diversify its helium sources after losing 30% of its supply. Industry experts warn that if the outage extends beyond two weeks, industrial gas distributors will face significant challenges in meeting demand.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledQatarEnergy has not restarted helium production at its Ras Laffan complex — one of the largest concentrations of helium production infrastructure globally — nine days after Iranian drone strikes forced the facility offline.
The ensuing disruption to supply has sparked concerns for South Korea's chip industry, Nikkei reports.
Helium consultant Phil Kornbluth, speaking at a Gasworld webinar on March 4, said that if the outage extends beyond roughly two weeks, industrial gas distributors will face significant challenges.
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