Scientists have found an enormous helium deposit in Minnesota’s Iron Range for the first time. This discovery could change the world’s helium output as the element’s availability has recently declined.
The discovery is already being referred to as a ‘dream’ for the scientific community and the industry. This article gives more information about this fantastic discovery and its possibilities.
A monumental discovery: Helium beneath Minnesota’s Iron Range
The news about a vast helium deposit in Minnesota’s Iron Range has stirred scientific circles. Scientists from Pulsar Helium analyzed the sample and found a helium concentration of 12.4%, three zero times industrial helium. This high concentration was discovered at a depth of 2,200 feet; the discovery was considered one of the largest in recent years.
The discovery was made after exploratory drilling, which started in the first week of February. It happened one Thursday in the early morning, and it was followed by celebrations made by the members of the research team. Thomas Abraham-James, CEO of Pulsar Helium, more or less echoed this sentiment when he said that being part of the team that helped achieve these feats was nothing short of screaming, hugging, and high fives.
This discovery is especially significant, especially when helium is scarce worldwide. Once the largest exporter of helium, the US has exhausted all its sources and sold most of them to private players. The new reservoir in Minnesota would go a long way towards solving the global supply problems and make the US a major player in the helium market.
The significance of helium: More than just balloons
Although most people think helium is only used in party balloons and blimps, it is used in many other areas. Helium is highly desired in numerous industries owing to its gas properties and present-day high technologies. Helium as a liquid is one of the best and safest coolants, which is why it is used to cool the superconducting magnets in MRI and other medical equipment.
In an interview with Dr Grant Larso, a radiologist at Hennepin Healthcare, he pointed out the role of helium in medicine. He said that the health system’s MRI machines use a lot of helium. Helium deficiency threatens patient care, specifically in diagnosis, indicating the impact of the Minnesota discovery.
Besides medicine, helium is utilized in sciences, space ventures, and production procedures where an inactive environment is needed. The discovery in Minnesota may have a wide-ranging impact in various fields, improving technological development and underpinning essential industries.
Next steps: Feasibility and future prospects
After helium has been confirmed in Minnesota, the next step is to conduct a study to assess the size and possibility of the reserve. The feasibility of a full-scale helium extraction and processing plant at the site will be determined by this study and conducted by an independent third party. The findings of this study are anticipated at the end of the year.
Thomas Abraham-James described this next step as not only not being able to drill one hole but also proving the geology models and collecting as much data as possible. This phase will be critical in establishing the future growth of the site and the extent to which it can contribute to the local economy and world helium market.
However, if the feasibility study results are positive, Minnesota can enter the list of significant producers along with Russia and Qatar. It would create employment, thus increasing the economic stand of a country while at the same time offering a viable solution to the scarcity of helium globally.
The finding of a giant helium deposit in Minnesota’s Iron Country is an epoch-making breakthrough with the capacity to alter the world helium industry. This finding shows a need to continue searching for and experimenting with ways of solving significant resource scarcities.
As the feasibility study goes on, the world will be eager to see how this ‘dream’ came to pass and the effects of this on various industries.