WorldWide Drilling Resource

American Helium Increases Drilling Activity Adapted from Information by American Helium Inc. Helium is a noble gas and the smallest of all known elements. It is also the second lightest gas and has the lowest boiling point. Because of this combina- tion of characteristics, helium is a unique commodity with numerous applications. Since it does not react to other elements or chemicals, it is the only gas capable of being used to purge the liquid engines of super colliders and rockets. As a gas, helium is lighter than air, so it is actively being lost into space. However helium is also being created by the decay of naturally occurring radioactive elements in rocks over time, then it is freed and carried in saline groundwater. American Helium Inc., a resource exploration company focused on the global growth of technology- driven demand for helium, is focused on these areas where the released hel ium has been t ranspor ted by groundwater and can accumulate in porous geological formations such as sandstone. As a high-value product, liquid helium can be transported to reserves and processing facilities in containers mounted on trucks, so pipelines aren’t necessary. The company has executed a project agreement with Yankee Resources LLC and has appointed LoneTree Energy & Associates LLC to acquire acreage in Colorado for the project. The immediate objective of the project is to redrill two wells which have proven helium resources. These wells were plugged and abandoned in the mid-90s, offering the potential for near-term production. The second part of the project will focus on exploration through the acquisition of land and a subsequent 3-D seismic survey aimed at further defining areas of likely helium accumulations. The company has also made an agreement with Holbrook Basin Energy LLC (HBE) to undertake an exploration drill pro- gram in Arizona. The project location is in the area where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. Additionally, it is located in the Holbrook Basin, a well-established helium production district where concentrations of the gas range from trace amounts up to 10%. Helium content is generally considered to be of commercial interest when the concentration is above 0.3%. The abundant nature of helium the region has led to statements over the years referring to Arizona as the “Saudi Arabia of helium”, so the company believes the project has good potential for additional discovery and production. HBE has developed a compelling exploration p l ay wh i ch i s of great i nteres t to American Helium. Based on available data, the company intends to drill an exploration well on a recently identified target located near other successful wells in the area. These two projects represent a sig- nificant increase in operational plan- ning for American Helium. The projects will be regionally managed as a result of the company’s recent decision to open an office in Denver, Colorado. The new office will alow the company to more readily and efficiently service field operations across its rapidly grow- ing western U.S. areas of activity. 15 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2018 Dealmakers Michel Mailhot, Maxidrill vice president, congrat- ulates Puits Charles Caron’s owner Jean Caron from Granby, Quebec, Canada, on his new Hardab drill rig acquisition. Jean is the third generation leading the family’s water well company since 1924. Maxidrill Send your deals to: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Courtesy of Cryo Diffusion. MIN