Why is the helium discovery in Minnesota important?

An exploratory drilling led scientists to the discovery of a high concentration of helium about 2,200 feet below Minnesota’s Iron Range. It comes at a time when the US faces dwindling supplies of the noble gas.

Pulsar Helium Inc. CEO Thomas Abraham-James called it a “dream” find when his company made the discovery last week.

Pulsar found gases with up to 12.4% helium concentration, 30 times more than what’s found in commercial helium.

Why is it important?
America was once the top exporter of the gas but has been selling off its helium reserves, causing worries about depletion.

The untapped helium reserve could make it the industry’s top dog again, next to major exporters Russia and Qatar.

Also, helium is not just for balloons. Hospital MRI machines need helium to function. MRI scans are critical in diagnosing diseases, including cancer, brain tumors, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The lightweight gas also aids in defense capabilities, from rocket engine testing to air-to-air missile guidance systems and more.

Next step
Pulsar is conducting more studies, which will take the entire year to finish, to see if a helium plant can be set up in Minnesota.