Pulsar Helium Receives Federal Laboratory Verification of Helium-3 Results at Topaz Project

USGS and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory confirm helium-3 concentrations at Minnesota site
- Two U.S. Federal Government laboratories (USGS and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) independently verified helium-3 concentrations of 11.2-11.9 parts per billion at Pulsar's Topaz Project
- Helium-3 levels confirmed among the highest naturally occurring terrestrial concentrations globally, comparable to lunar regolith estimates of 1.4-15 ppb
- Isotope valued at approximately US$2,500 per litre (over US$18 million per kilogram) with applications in nuclear security, quantum computing, and potential fusion energy
- All three independent laboratories reported consistent results using rigorous copper tube sampling methodology, providing scientific validation of discovery
- Company pursuing U.S. Government participation and development partnerships to advance Topaz as a strategic domestic helium-3 source
Pulsar Helium Inc (AIM: PLSR, TSXV: PLSR, OTCQB: PSRHF) is a helium exploration company with two projects: the Topaz helium project in northern Minnesota, USA, and the Tunu helium project in Greenland. The company holds exclusive leases at Topaz, where it is the first company to conduct helium exploration in the area. Both projects contain helium occurrences that are not associated with hydrocarbon production.
Independent Laboratory Verification of Helium-3 Concentrations
The U.S. Geological Survey Noble Gas Laboratory in Denver and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California analysed raw gas samples from the Jetstream #1 well at Pulsar's Topaz Project. Both laboratories reported helium-3 concentrations of 11.2-11.9 parts per billion alongside 7.7-8.0% helium-4. These results align with those from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, which in October 2025 reported helium-3 concentrations up to 14.5 ppb from the same well.
All three laboratories measured a helium-3 to helium-4 isotopic ratio of approximately 0.10 Ra, where Ra represents the atmospheric helium isotope ratio. The consistent isotopic signature across all samples indicates a single helium source throughout the Topaz reservoir. This consistency was achieved despite the analyses being conducted independently at three separate facilities using different analytical equipment.
The sampling was conducted on 10 December 2025 by Dr. Peter Barry, Associate Scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Pulsar's Scientific Helium-3 Adviser. Dr. Barry collected 21 discrete gas samples using copper tube sampling, a method that prevents air contamination and helium loss. One representative sample was distributed to all three laboratories for analysis. The copper tubes were crimped immediately after filling to preserve the gas at well pressure.
Helium-3 Concentrations and Market Context
Helium-3 exists in Earth's atmosphere at approximately seven parts per trillion. The isotope typically appears in crustal sources in the parts per trillion to parts per billion range when present. Topaz's confirmed concentration of 11-12 ppb is among the highest recorded for terrestrial sources. For comparison, lunar regolith contains an estimated 1.4-15 ppb of helium-3, which has attracted research funding from NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy for potential extraction.
Helium-3 is currently priced at approximately US$2,500 per litre, or over US$18 million per kilogram, according to the news release. The isotope has applications in neutron detection for nuclear security, low-temperature physics including quantum computing (where it serves as a cooling agent in dilution refrigerators), and is being researched as a potential fuel for nuclear fusion reactors. Due to limited natural sources, governments have historically relied on specialised reactors and advance purchase agreements to obtain helium-3.
President and CEO Thomas Abraham-James stated:
"Beyond the scientific validation, these results carry strategic implications for the Topaz project. Helium-3 is a rare and critical resource, and now that multiple laboratories have confirmed its presence and grade in our Jetstream #1 well, we intend to actively engage with the U.S. government regarding Topaz's development."
Plans for U.S. Government Engagement
Pulsar has stated its intention to pursue U.S. Government participation in developing the Topaz Project. Management plans to contact relevant federal agencies and departments to explore forms of collaboration, which could include research partnerships, technology development for helium-3 extraction and separation, offtake agreements, or strategic investment. The specific structure and terms of any potential government involvement have not been disclosed.
The company notes that the independent verification by USGS and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory provides third-party confirmation of the discovery through federal analytical capabilities. These laboratories are part of the U.S. Government's scientific infrastructure and specialise in noble gas analysis. The verification results match those from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, which initially analysed samples from the Jetstream #1 well.
President and CEO Thomas Abraham-James stated:
"We see an opportunity to collaborate with government agencies to fast-track this project as a new domestic source of helium-3. Considering these confirmations, Pulsar will be pursuing U.S. government participation in Topaz, a step that could accelerate our path forward and help realise the full strategic value of this discovery for all stakeholders."
Next Steps
The company continues its Jetstream multi-well appraisal programme at the Topaz Project. The programme is designed to map the reservoir's extent, pressure regime, and gas composition. This data will inform resource estimation and development planning. Pulsar will also begin outreach to U.S. Government agencies regarding potential participation in the project.
Dr. Peter Barry serves as Pulsar's Scientific Helium-3 Adviser and has reviewed all helium analyses for accuracy and consistency. The company states it will provide updates on appraisal results and government engagement discussions as they develop.
Analyst's Notes






