Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) has received regulatory approval to restart operations at its Rudyard helium production facility in Montana, United States, following a temporary suspension of activities.
The AIM-listed helium exploration and production company confirmed that the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation has granted an exemption permitting the venting of waste gas, primarily nitrogen, subject to periodic monitoring of gas composition.
The decision allows Helix to resume production activities at Rudyard, where operations began in February 2026.
Following the approval, the company has started restarting its wells and production plant and expects to resume continuous filling of helium tube trailers for deliveries under existing commercial arrangements within the coming days.
Montana Regulator Approves Resumption of Rudyard Operations
The Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation has authorised Helix Exploration to restart operations at its Rudyard helium facility with immediate effect.
The approval follows a regulatory pause affecting production activities at the site.
Under the exemption, Helix is permitted to vent waste gas generated during helium production and processing, with nitrogen identified as the principal component.
The authorisation is subject to periodic checks of the gas composition to ensure continued compliance with the applicable requirements.
The regulatory decision enables Helix to resume activities at the facility, although the company has not provided an updated production rate or specified the duration of the earlier suspension.
Rudyard Wells and Processing Plant Begin Restart Procedures
Helix confirmed that it has initiated the restart of the Rudyard production wells and associated processing plant.
The company expects to recommence continuous filling of leased tube trailers within days, allowing helium deliveries to resume under its existing sales arrangements.
Tube trailers are used to transport compressed helium from production and processing facilities to customers or downstream distribution locations.
The planned resumption of deliveries follows the regulatory approval and the commencement of operational restart procedures.
Helix has not disclosed the volume of helium expected to be delivered immediately following the restart or provided revised production guidance.
The timing of continuous operations will depend on completion of the restart process.
Rudyard Forms Part of Helix’s US Helium Production Portfolio
The Rudyard project in Montana is one of Helix Exploration’s principal helium assets.
The facility entered production in February 2026 and forms part of the company’s operations across helium exploration, production and processing.
Helix is pursuing additional drilling and processing capacity at Rudyard as part of its plans to expand production.
The company operates its own drilling equipment, providing internal capability for certain well development activities.
The restart approval allows work at Rudyard to resume while Helix continues its wider operational programme.
The company has not announced any changes to its planned drilling schedule or expansion expenditure in connection with the regulatory decision.
Keyes Helium Complex Provides Liquefaction Infrastructure
Alongside its Montana operations, Helix owns the Keyes Helium Complex in Oklahoma.
The facility is one of a limited number of operational helium liquefaction plants in the United States.
Helium liquefaction involves cooling processed helium gas to extremely low temperatures to convert it into liquid form for storage and transportation.
Helix’s ownership of liquefaction infrastructure forms part of its strategy to participate in multiple stages of the helium supply chain.
The company is also evaluating opportunities to provide processing and liquefaction services to third parties, alongside production from its own assets.
These activities are intended to broaden the range of services offered through its existing infrastructure.
Helix Continues Development of Integrated Helium Operations
Helix’s business model combines helium exploration and production with processing, transportation arrangements and liquefaction capabilities.
The company is developing its operations around the Rudyard project and the Keyes Helium Complex, with additional drilling and processing capacity forming part of its expansion plans.
Its facilities are intended to serve helium customers in North America and international markets.
The resumption of Rudyard operations will allow Helix to restart deliveries under existing sales arrangements, subject to completion of the necessary operational procedures.
The regulatory approval does not itself establish future production volumes, sales revenue or the timing of additional capacity becoming operational.
About Helix Exploration PLC
Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) is an AIM-listed helium exploration, production and processing company with operations in the United States.
Its principal assets include the Rudyard helium project in Montana, which began production in February 2026, and the Keyes Helium Complex in Oklahoma.
The company operates across several stages of the helium supply chain, including exploration, drilling, production, processing and liquefaction.
Helix is pursuing additional production capacity at Rudyard and opportunities to provide third-party helium processing and liquefaction services.
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