Minnesota Drillers Make Surprise Discovery, Have They Just Made History?

Energy drillers in Minnesota have made a surprise discovery in the state.

A massive helium supply has been discovered in Minnesota—perhaps the largest ever discovered in North America.

I know what everyone is thinking: who cares about balloon gas? Most don’t know that helium is a critical gas with applications across numerous sectors including medical technology, military instruments, and electrical devices.

Moreover, it is also an excellent fuel, but its application as a fuel is limited due to several factors.

Previously, it was thought that the United States was running out of helium—forcing us to rely on imports to bolster our dwindling supply. Here’s more on the story:

After weeks of drilling, a company has struck … helium?

Yes, scientists found a massive helium deposit in Minnesota with supplies in the US running low

Helium is crucial, as it's used to cool the magnets in MRI machines

Read all about it:https://t.co/80ksDDKOEf

— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) March 3, 2024

"A dream. It's perfect": Helium discovery in northern Minnesota may be biggest ever in North America – CBS Minnesota https://t.co/utpsUtriIr

— Paul J. Dauenhauer (@pauldauenhauer) March 2, 2024

CBS News featured this from Pulsar Helium CEO Thomas Abraham-James:

“There was a lot of screaming, a lot of hugging and high fives. It’s nice to know the efforts all worked out and we pulled it off,” Abraham-James said.

According to Abraham-James, the helium concentration was measured at 12.4%, which is higher than forecasted and roughly 30 times the industry standard for commercial helium.

Scott Hendricks took a stab at the Biden administration: “I suppose that Biden & [the] White House is going to ban this next because it is fossil sourced!”

Helium discovered in Minnesota as US supplies dwindle

Helium has applications in medical, tech and defense industries

I suppose that Biden @POTUS & @WhiteHouse is going to ban this next because it is fossil sourced! ! ! https://t.co/IL4h1uZtu4

— Scott Hendricks (@ConservativeAd5) March 3, 2024

Hey kids…did you know Helium is more than just balloons 🎈
It’s used for space vehicles, computer chips, medical imaging, & more..
…& @pulsarhelium just found a new source deep under Minnesota!
Learn more: https://t.co/k6i5VJARBp #STEM #STEMjobs pic.twitter.com/QgDcFKrVbE

— dailySTEM (Chris Woods) (@dailystem) March 3, 2024

Fox Business provided more details:

Pulsar Helium Inc., a Canadian-based company, announced in a news release on Thursday that its team encountered gases with concentrations of up to 12.4% helium when its drilling rig reached a total depth of 2,200 at the Topaz Project drill site.

Helium concentrations above 0.3% are considered economically viable.