Desert Mountain Energy Aims to Restore Helium on US Critical Minerals List, Highlights Arizona Focus

Desert Mountain Energy, a company specializing in helium exploration and production, is actively working to reinstate helium on the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) critical mineral list. This announcement comes as part of the company's broader efforts to streamline helium extraction processes in Arizona. Helium was removed from the USGS critical minerals list in November 2021, a surprising move given its inclusion in the list as recently as 2018. The USGS, an agency under the Department of the Interior (DOI), is mandated by the Energy Act of 2020 to update the list of critical minerals at least every three years.

Robert Rohlfing, CEO of Desert Mountain Energy, acknowledged that while there is still work ahead, the company is encouraged by the progress and productive discussions it has had so far. He highlighted the growing recognition of helium's importance to Arizona’s key industries and expressed optimism about future developments. The Energy Act of 2020 defines critical minerals as those essential to the economic or national security of the US, vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, and crucial for manufacturing products in various sectors, including energy technology, defense, and healthcare. Helium, despite being vital for these applications, has faced recurrent shortages, though the most recent Helium Shortage 4.0 is now past.

In addition to its efforts to restore helium's critical mineral status, Desert Mountain Energy is focused on enhancing helium extraction processes in Arizona. The company had previously relocated its operations to New Mexico due to frustrations with delays and long lead times related to enhanced recovery permitting in Arizona. Despite this move, Desert Mountain Energy remains committed to working with stakeholders to find a balanced approach that supports Arizona’s economy and environment.

Senator Janae Shamp, a staunch advocate for the initiative, said, "I am proud to back the efforts to simplify helium extraction for our operators. Arizona is open for business, and we want to assure operators that they are welcomed here. Our goal is to ensure that this process is carried out safely and sustainably, safeguarding our aquifers while enhancing the supply chain that supports Arizona's booming semiconductor manufacturing, innovative healthcare, and defense industries. By doing so, we strengthen Arizona's role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing."

Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly listed resource company specializing in the exploration, development, and production of helium, hydrogen, natural gas, and condensate. The company emphasizes the environmentally and economically responsible extraction of helium from various raw gas sources, providing essential elements crucial to the renewable energy and high-tech industries.