Potentially larger helium deposit than first thought near Babbitt.

By Lee Bloomquist for Mesabi Tribune

BABBITT, Mn—Seismic testing is showing promise of a larger helium deposit near Babbitt. Pulsar Helium Inc., said it has received information from a seismic reflection survey revealing potential for additional helium wells to be drilled at the company’s project site.

The seismic survey looked at 20.4 kilometers at Pulsar Helium’s Topaz project near Babbitt, according to Pulsar Helium. Results show a continuous reflective package at a helium-bearing interval about 1.5 kilometers to the west and two kilometers to the east of its existing single drill hole at the site, called Jetstream #1.

“As we progress toward deepening Jetstream #1 to test the full extent of the interpretated helium-bearing zone, the team continues to evaluate the subsurface data,” Josh Bluett, Pulsar Helium technical manager said in a news release. “The recently acquired seismic line shows that the productive helium-bearing interval intersected in Jetstream #1 extends laterally. The additional active seismic data further supports the interpretation of the passive seismic and airborne geophysical data. The new data is very encouraging, and I look forward to the upcoming drill program.”

The seismic data gives the company reasonable confidence that future wells could target the zone accurately, Pulsar Helium said.

What it all means is more positive news for what could become Minnesota’s first commercial helium operation. As the company continues testing and research, the size and scope of the helium deposit appears to grow larger. With the positive results, Pulsar Helium is moving forward on the project.

Pulsar Helium this week said has acquired 2,092 acres of mineral rights on private land at the drill site. The Vancouver, B.C-based helium company also announced it will deepen the existing drill hole with an option to drill two step out wells. Drilling will take place this quarter, Pulsar Helium said.

Pulsar Helium in December struck helium in the 2,200-foot deep hole. Analysis found high a concentration of helium. The drill hole is also producing CO2 as a byproduct. The existing drill hole is on private land.

Duluth Metals in 2011 struck helium about 50 feet away from the Pulsar Helium hole while exploring for copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group minerals. That finding led Pulsar Helium to drill its Jetstream #1 hole. Pulsar Helium hopes the findings will lead to development of a commercial helium operation.

It would mean development of a new natural resource from northeastern Minnesota’s Duluth Complex, the world’s largest untapped reserve of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group minerals.

Helium is inert, non-toxic and non-flammable, according to Pulsar Helium. It can be used in the production of computer hard drives, fiber optic cables, magnetic resonance image machines, semi-conductors, vehicle air conditioning systems, arc welding, as a coolant in nuclear reactors, and in high pressure equipment, according to the company.

Without any state rules and regulations governing helium extraction, the 2024 Minnesota Legislature enacted a series of rules and regulations covering hydrocarbon extraction in the state, including helium.