HeLIX Exploration PLC (AIM:HEX) has begun moving flow testing equipment to two of its wells in northern Montana, with results expected within weeks as the company pushes towards its goal of near-term helium production.
The UK-listed explorer said work will begin at its Weil #1 well, followed by Linda #1, both located within the 15,000-acre Rudyard Project on the Montana Helium Fairway. Equipment mobilisation is set to begin this week.
Weil #1, which previously returned helium grades between 0.9 and 1.1 % from separate layers, will be re-entered and perforated across both the Souris and Red River formations to test their combined flow.
Helix said this approach is expected to deliver higher output and a more stable production profile, mirroring what was seen at the Darwin #1 and Linda #1 wells.
“The imminent testing of two promising helium zones at Linda #1 and combined flow potential from the same zones in Weil #1 are key milestones towards our goal of being a leading onshore US helium producer,” said Bo Sears, chief executive of Helix.
Each test is expected to take around 10 days, with helium assay results to be announced separately.
The Linda #1 well was drilled and cased earlier this year, with multiple gas shows and signs of helium-rich zones. It will be perforated and tested across the same two layers as Weil #1.
Helix also flagged the presence of oil in the deeper Duperow Formation, a carbonate reservoir that stretches across much of the Rudyard field.
While not part of the immediate testing schedule, the company said the discovery “has not gone unnoticed” and will be investigated further during future drilling, starting with the Inez #1 well.
“This is a large, underexplored field, and we believe the Rudyard Project has potential beyond helium,” Sears added.
Helium is used in a range of critical applications including medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace technology. Supply constraints in recent years have prompted a flurry of exploration activity in North America.