Helix Exploration, the helium exploration and development company with near-term production assets within the 'Montana Helium Fairway', has secured a drilling rig to re-enter the Inez #1 well at its flagship Rudyard Project.
The operation represents the next step in evaluating the Rudyard subsurface system for potential hydrogen resources, supported by previous findings of mantle helium signatures and rock chemistry conducive to natural hydrogen generation.
Highlights
- Rig Secured for Re-Entry: Helix has finalised a rig contract to re-enter the Inez #1 commencing the week of 17 November 2025.
- Targeting Hydrogen Source Rocks: The Company will remove existing production tubing and drill through to total depth, coring an additional 30-40 feet of ultramafic rock - the critical rock type responsible for natural hydrogen generation.
- Evidence of Deep Mantle Connection: As announced on 16 October 2025, geochemical studies have confirmed a ³He/4He ratio of 0.74 R?, representing a ~9 % mantle helium component and one of the highest ratios recorded in the continental United States outside Yellowstone.
- Hydrogen Potential: The combination of altered ultramafic lithologies, mantle helium, and active fluid pathways makes Rudyard one of the most scientifically compelling and economically attractive natural hydrogen prospects in North America.
- Helium Production Integration: Following coring operations, Helix will perforate the entire Souris River zone to complete the well for helium production, enabling helium bearing gas to supply the Company's new PSA/Membrane processing plant in Rudyard.
Background
Natural hydrogen is the cleanest and most cost-effective hydrogen on Earth, generated deep underground by simple natural reactions between water and ultramafic rock - with zero carbon emissions. Unlike synthetic hydrogen ('grey hydrogen') produced from fossil fuels, geological hydrogen offers a self-recharging, emission-free resource.
Helix intends to deliver near-term helium revenue while pioneering one of North America's first commercial natural hydrogen discoveries.
Bo Sears, Chief Executive Officer of Helix Exploration, commented:
'Coring the ultramafic interval in the Inez #1 well represents a defining moment for Helix. Laboratory results from our XRD, XRF, and Mössbauer analyses identified that these rocks are actively undergoing, or have undergone, alteration processes capable of generating hydrogen. The rock exhibits a composition and geochemical balance consistent with systems known to generate hydrogen through natural alteration processes that can remain active over long geological timescales. To my knowledge, no better rock has been encountered in the United States for geological hydrogen exploration. We believe these core samples will be the first ever taken from an ultramafic zone at this depth in the U.S., and they provide a rare opportunity to study a live hydrogen-forming system in place. While our immediate focus is on coring this lower hydrogen interval, we will also be testing the upper Souris River for helium production. Together, these efforts advance our goal of unlocking two clean energy resources-helium and hydrogen-from the same subsurface system.'
Source: Helix Exploration
