Helix Exploration, the helium exploration and development company with near-term production assets within the 'Montana Helium Fairway', has provided an update on its flagship Rudyard Project as it progresses towards first helium gas production.
Highlights:
- Helium processing plant commissioning - The pressure swing adsorption compressor, the final long lead item required for helium production, has been delivered to the Rudyard processing facility and is in the process of being installed. The unit was fully manufactured and factory prepared prior to delivery. Following mechanical installation, the system will be integrated through permanent process connections and instrumentation tie ins, after which electrical completion will be finalised. Commissioning and start up is expected to commence after this process is completed.
- Inez No. 1 well re-entry and coring - Re-entry operations have commenced at Inez No. 1 well. The well will be deepened to core the ultramafic Precambrian interval previously encountered, which exhibits geological characteristics associated with natural hydrogen generation and following coring operations, perforate the entire Souris River zone Operations are expected to be completed by 19 January 2026. The core recovered from operations will be submitted for detailed laboratory analysis and the interval will undergo a basic formation test
- Helium offtake discussions - The Company remains engaged in active discussions with multiple helium offtake counterparties. Helix expects to conclude commercial offtake arrangements following the commencement of production and will update the market as required once agreements are executed.
- Hydrogen opportunity - Helix continues discussions with several interested Tier 1 parties regarding the hydrogen potential of the Rudyard Field. The Company believes the project exhibits the key elements required for natural hydrogen prospectivity, including ultramafic lithologies and a notably elevated helium 3 to helium 4 isotope ratio. These discussions remain ongoing.
Bo Sears, CEO of Helix Exploration, commented: 'Activity at Rudyard has accelerated as we enter the final stages ahead of first helium production. The delivery and installation of the PSA compressor marks an important milestone, and operations on the Inez No 1 well are progressing as planned. We are focused on executing safely, efficiently, and transparently as we move into production and advance our evaluation of the broader hydrogen opportunity. I look forward to updating shareholders as we achieve these near-term milestones.'
Source: Helix Exploration
