Chip Makers Need Ultra-Pure Helium and Exxon Is Nearly the Sole Source of Six Nines Purity

"The leading edge chip manufacturers are now looking for six nines purity and right now that primarily comes from Exxon's facility. So all of a sudden you've got a big issue there."

"Exxon Mobil is not marketing itself as a semiconductor materials company, but that is effectively what its helium operation has become at the premium end."

"The difference between five nines and six nines is a single additional decimal place of cleanliness, but in a fab environment where a single stray molecule can ruin a wafer, that gap is enormous."

"Containers used for six-nines helium cannot be contaminated with five-nines helium. Even one molecule of hydrogen is a disqualifying event."

ExxonMobil plays a crucial role in the helium supply chain, particularly for semiconductor manufacturing. The industry has shifted from requiring five nines purity helium to six nines purity, which is essential for advanced chip fabrication. This transition highlights the importance of Exxon's helium processing capabilities, as it is one of the few facilities capable of producing six nines purity consistently. Additionally, the logistics of handling six nines helium are complex, requiring separate containers to avoid contamination, which adds to operational costs.

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