Huge helium gas field in Tanzania is 'game changer'
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JOHANNESBURG- The discovery of a huge helium gas field in East Africa is a "game changer for the future security of society's helium needs" amid a global shortage, researchers in Britain said Tuesday.
The discovery in Tanzania is the result of a new exploration approach for the precious gas that is essential to spacecraft, MRI scanners, nuclear energy, according to the Oxford University statement . Helium also fills party balloons.
This is the first time helium has been found intentionally, said the statement. Until now, the gas has been found in small amounts accidentally during oil and gas drilling.
