Quantum Helium (QHE) has begun mobilisation and site preparations for a larger-scale fracture stimulation programme at its Sagebrush-1 well in Colorado, USA, where it holds a 90% working interest.
The programme follows several months of technical evaluation and engineering design aimed at improving gas flow from the helium-bearing Leadville Formation and assessing the well's commercial potential.
The workover rig is now on location, with new 3.5-inch tubing installed and preparations underway for additional surface equipment and specialist stimulation services.
The planned treatment will use gelled foam incorporating nitrogen and proppant to create and maintain conductive fractures within the Leadville Formation. This is designed to improve reservoir connectivity and overcome flow restrictions identified during earlier testing.
Sagebrush-1 previously demonstrated helium concentrations of about 2.5% during testing, while historical drill stem testing recorded 2.76% helium. The programme therefore focuses on improving gas flow from an established helium-bearing formation rather than identifying a new accumulation.
Following stimulation, the well will undergo initial flowback and clean-up, followed by evaluation of gas flow rates, pressures and reservoir response. Further extended testing may follow, subject to results.
The mobilisation follows the US Department of Energy's designation of helium as a critical material on 23 October 2026, highlighting its importance to advanced technologies and national security.
Quantum's Colorado portfolio contains independently assessed 2U gross helium resources of 1.104 billion cubic feet across Sagebrush and Coyote Wash.
Quantum Helium's Chief Executive Officer Howard McLaughlin said: "This is an important moment for Quantum. We have always known that helium is present within the Leadville Formation, and our focus has been on identifying the most effective engineering solution to unlock its production potential. We believe this larger stimulation programme represents our best opportunity to achieve the stronger, more sustainable flow rates we are targeting.
"The timing is also particularly exciting. With the US Government having recently designated helium as a critical material, and the growing importance of secure domestic supply, we believe Quantum is exceptionally well positioned with its substantial independently assessed helium resource base in Colorado.”
View from Vox
The mobilisation of equipment for the Sagebrush-1 stimulation programme represents a significant step towards unlocking the commercial potential of Quantum's Colorado helium assets. With helium concentrations already confirmed, the programme aims to establish stronger, sustainable gas flow rates, potentially paving the way for future development. Meanwhile, the US government's recent designation of helium as a critical material underscores the strategic value of Quantum's substantial resource base.