Pulsar Helium continues work at their Topaz Project site near Babbitt
Helium generated by 2.7 billion year old granite on the Range is a top commodity in 2025. That’s why Pulsar Helium is working on developing a project near Babbitt.
WDIO visited the Topaz Project site on Monday, which includes two wells, Jet Stream 1 and Jet Stream 2.
Consulting geologist Jack Gibbons remembers finding that helium, on accident. It was back in 2011, and he was with Duluth Metals, which was looking for nickel.
He told us, “We were drilling at about 1700 feet, and the core barrel blew out from 1700 feet, and blew the rock into the forest. The well was just de-gassing, it sounded like a freight train.”
They were worried it was combustible. But were able to determine it was helium.
Now he’s with Pulsar. “It’s a really neat full circle,” he shared.
He added it’s one of the highest compositions ever recorded in North America. “It’s an incredible discovery, the concentration is really great,” Gibbons added.
Helium is needed in many devices, like MRI machines, semi-conductors, and more.
Flow testing has been going well, and they’ll focus on regional geophysical work this summer. Then when the ground freezes again, they’ll bring in more heavy equipment.
Lawmakers and the DNR are working on setting up a system for helium projects, since it’s never been done before in Minnesota.
Pulsar periodically invites the public to see their site.