Pulsar Helium Partners With Lunar Helium-3 Mining to Test Helium-3 Recovery in Minnesota
Pulsar Helium Inc. (TSXV:PLSR) has entered into an evaluation agreement with Lunar Helium-3 Mining, LLC to test proprietary technology for separating and recovering helium-3 at Pulsar's Topaz Project in Minnesota. The collaboration aims to determine whether helium-3 can be economically extracted from natural gas samples taken from the site.
Helium-3 is an extremely rare isotope used primarily to cool quantum computing hardware to near absolute zero and to support defense systems. Current U.S. supply relies heavily on a single government facility producing just one to two kilograms annually, while market prices exceed US$18 million per kilogram. Independent testing by federal laboratories previously confirmed helium-3 concentrations of 11.2 to 11.9 parts per billion at Topaz, suggesting the location could potentially become a rare commercial source.
The initial evaluation involves desktop studies followed by laboratory testing targeting at least 95% product purity. If testing is successful, the companies may negotiate a controlled pilot program and eventual commercial deployment. Shares of Pulsar Helium dropped 11.01% to 0.97 CAD following the announcement.
Key points
- Pulsar Helium Inc. (TSXV:PLSR) signed an evaluation agreement with Lunar Helium-3 Mining, LLC to test helium-3 extraction technology at the Topaz Project in Minnesota.
- Federal laboratories previously confirmed helium-3 concentrations between 11.2 and 11.9 parts per billion in raw gas samples from Topaz.
- Helium-3 commands prices above US$18 million per kilogram, driven by demand in quantum computing cooling and national security applications.
- The evaluation begins with desktop analysis and laboratory testing aimed at reaching a working target of at least 95% helium-3 purity.
- Shares of Pulsar Helium traded down 11.01% to 0.97 CAD.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
What is Pulsar Helium evaluating at the Topaz Project?
Pulsar Helium is evaluating technology provided by Lunar Helium-3 Mining to separate, concentrate, and recover helium-3 from natural gas samples at its Topaz site in Minnesota.
Why is helium-3 important for quantum computing?
Helium-3 is an extremely rare isotope used as a coolant in specialized refrigeration systems that allow quantum computers to operate near absolute zero.
What are the current commercial terms of the helium-3 evaluation program?
The program is currently an early-stage feasibility evaluation without a commercial supply contract. Pulsar Helium retains ownership of all gas samples and extracted materials during testing.