The problem is that helium is notoriously hard to contain. It’s transported and stored super-cooled, but it still gases off, and to release pressure they just have to release it into the atmosphere. It effectively has a shelf life and so it has to be constantly replenished.
I’d guess that most industrial users of helium don’t consume it and could theoretically recover it from whatever process it’s involved in.
The problem is that helium is notoriously hard to contain. It’s transported and stored super-cooled, but it still gases off, and to release pressure they just have to release it into the atmosphere. It effectively has a shelf life and so it has to be constantly replenished.
What is it that keeps the underground pockets of helium in place, anyway? Just craptons of stone?