The element, which occurs naturally as a colourless gas, is used for a range of hi-tech applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, satellite instruments, semiconductor manufacturing, fibre-optic cables, rocket launches and assisted breathing in hospitals. If hospitals run out of it, Minchin says, Covid-19 death rates would increase.
There's more to this story
Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.
cancel anytime
Already a a subscriber Sign In