Helium in the Williston Basin?

The Williston Basin is known for its oil and gas reserves. But helium? “We know that there’s helium there in the Basin,” said state geologist Ed Murphy. “That’s from what little records we have on that.” Murphy said the Canadians have much more information on this. “They’ve got economic quantities of helium, produced in the 1960s and 1970s,” Murphy said. “They’re back in now with a big drilling program.” Murphy said that program is centered on southern Saskatchewan. “And we’re saying, ‘Let’s take a look at North Dakota,'” Murphy said. The Survey has put out a report, to guide industry, if it was to come to North Dakota. “We said, ‘Here’s the area that looks the most promising,'” Murphy said. Murphy said helium was reported to be in short supply, because of Middle East embargoes. He said the helium market is very volatile — but it could be an opportunity for some companies.

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