Pulsar Helium starts seismic programme at Minnesota's Topaz

(Sharecast News) - Pulsar Helium announced the start of a 2D seismic acquisition programme at its Topaz helium project in Minnesota on Wednesday, as it advanced subsurface evaluation and target selection to support ongoing resource assessment. The AIM-traded company said the survey started on 20 January and was expected to run through to mid-March.

It said contractor Faraday Geophysics would acquire five seismic lines covering a total of 41.5 miles, or 66.8 kilometres, with the data intended to improve understanding of the subsurface structure at Topaz and to inform future drilling decisions.

Pulsar said the programme would use 2D active seismic techniques, in which low-intensity sound waves generated by Vibroseis equipment are transmitted into the ground and reflected back from subsurface layers to create cross-sectional images of the geology.

The firm said the survey employed wireless geophone nodes and that the vibrations involved would be minimal and non-invasive.

It said it had adopted low-impact seismic practices to minimise environmental disturbance, reflecting its stated commitment to protecting Minnesota's natural environment.

Pulsar added that all necessary permits had been secured from relevant authorities and stakeholders, including the United States Forest Service, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Lake County, the Department of Natural Resources and local landowners.

The Topaz project, located in northern Minnesota, was described by Pulsar as a primary helium discovery containing helium-4, helium-3 and carbon dioxide, not associated with hydrocarbon production.

It said multiple wells drilled to date had confirmed a laterally extensive, helium-rich gas reservoir beneath the project area.

Pulsar said the ongoing Jetstream multi-well appraisal programme was aimed at defining the reservoir's extent, pressure regime and gas composition to support future resource estimation and development planning.

At 1453 GMT, shares in Pulsar Helium were up 28.77% at 94p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.