Enrichment mechanism and resource potential of shale-type helium: A case study of Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin

China’s helium resource is highly dependent on overseas imports. Organic-rich and U/Th-rich shale reservoirs generally contain helium, although the content low, total reserve large. Therefore, effective development utilisation of shale-type resources a realistic way to improve security in China. In this study, generation mechanism, source content, migration modes pathways, controlling factors enrichment, distribution pattern, potential were analysed, using Wufeng-Longmaxi Sichuan Basin its periphery. Furthermore, countermeasures proposed for exploration development. The results show that has high U Th good ability generate helium. generated by typical crustal characterised self-generation, self-storage, wide distribution. product associated natural gas. continuous supply preservation are main geological control enrichment preliminary evaluation reserves proven gas 10.8×108 m3 periphery, where extra-large fields likely be discovered. Additionally, 0.0912×108 was produced, along with annual production To avoid waste self-supply ability, it suggested research potential, pattern should carried out as soon possible, extraction techniques helium-bearing studied.