Governor Tim Walz signed legislation establishing a regulatory framework for helium extraction in northeastern Minnesota, as announced by Pulsar Helium Inc.
The law creates helium-specific guidelines for gas development in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties. It bans oil wells and hydraulic fracturing in gas wells but allows sale of carbon dioxide extracted during helium production.
Pulsar Helium operates the Topaz Project in Lake County near Babbitt. The company completed formation logging across its Jetstream wells. All Jetstream wells encountered high-pressure gas.
The company concluded exploration at Topaz and is seeking quotes for up to four new production wells to supplement two existing ones.
Before commercial production, state rulemaking, environmental review, and permitting must be completed. The Minnesota DNR proposed expedited permanent rules in May 2026.
Pulsar signed a Letter of Intent with Chart Industries for a CO₂ capture and helium liquefaction facility. The company cited global supply disruptions including Strait of Hormuz closure and attacks on Qatar's facilities.
