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, and although the helium content is low, the total reserve is large. Therefore, the effective development and utilisation of shale-type helium resources is a realistic way to improve the security of helium resources in China. In this study, the generation mechanism, helium source and content, migration modes and pathways, controlling factors of enrichment, distribution pattern, and resource potential of the helium were analysed, using the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery. Furthermore, countermeasures were proposed for shale-type helium exploration and development. The results show that the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale has a high content of U and Th and a good ability to generate helium. The helium is generated by a typical crustal source of helium and is characterised by self-generation, self-storage, and wide distribution. The helium resource potential is a product of its content and the resources of the associated natural gas. The continuous supply of helium and effective preservation are the main geological factors that control the enrichment of shale-type helium. The preliminary evaluation results show that the reserves of helium in proven shale gas reserves are 10.8×108m3in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery, where the extra-large helium fields are likely to be discovered. Additionally, 0.0912×108m3of helium was produced, along with the annual production of shale gas. To avoid the waste of helium and to improve the self-supply ability, it is suggested that research on the resource potential, enrichment mechanism, and distribution pattern of shale-type helium should be carried out as soon as possible, and helium extraction techniques for helium-bearing natural gas should be studied.