From Mining to Gas: Neil Herbert Discusses the Unique Challenges of Helium Exploration

In this episode, we chat with Neil Herbert, Chairman of Pulsar Helium, a leading primary helium exploration and development company listed in Canada and the United Kingdom, with its flagship Topaz Project in Minnesota, USA, which has one of the world's highest concentrations of helium. Neil brings over 30 years leading and advising companies from start up, through IPOs, development and over US$3bn of M&A.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Pulsar Helium is focused on a primary helium project in Minnesota, which boasts some of the highest concentrations of helium globally, with a significant advantage of having no hydrocarbon association. Helium is increasingly vital for various technological applications, particularly in microprocessor production and healthcare (e.g., MRI scanners).  The U.S. federal government is actively supporting projects like Pulsar Helium, aiming to ensure local supply chains for critical materials.  The project requires relatively modest capital expenditure (between $10 million to $50 million) due to its small footprint and the absence of toxic gases. Financing options include existing bank facilities and potential state and federal support. If current testing goes well, Pulsar Helium aims to reach a financial investment decision (FID) early next year, with potential production starting as early as 2026, depending on the success of ongoing operations and permitting processes. BEST MOMENTS "The value of helium is around 100 times that of natural gas. It's a very high value product, and the potential returns on these projects could be phenomenal." "We started looking at projects in Africa, but when this opportunity came up in the States, it was just a no brainer. It was a project that was so good, you couldn't miss it." "The biggest consumer in the world of helium is actually the United States. They have a big space program and a big healthcare industry, making local supply crucial." "We're looking at a range of CapEx around 10 to 50 million. Given the relative modest amounts of money involved, I don't expect enormous problems with that." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [e-mail] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS  X > https://x.com/pulsarhelium LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulsar-helium-inc YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHGkYuAePJw $PLSR Insights > https://pulsarhelium.com/Community/PLSR-Insights/default.aspx https://www.pulsarhelium.com/overview/default.aspx [e-mail] CONTACT METHOD [e-mail] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/