Helix Exploration Completed Montana Helium Well Drilling
The operator reached target depths at its Ollie #1 site, signaling potential expansion for local helium projects.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Helix Exploration finished drilling the Ollie #1 well in Montana, reaching a depth of 6,311 feet in 20 days. The well returned mudlog helium readings of 4,800 parts per million, setting the stage for future testing and integration into the existing production infrastructure.
Why it matters
Higher helium concentrations at the Ollie #1 site compared to existing projects suggest a potential increase in yield for the operator. For businesses in the region, this development indicates the next phase of resource extraction is moving forward despite broader regulatory scrutiny of the field.
The Ollie #1 well recorded helium concentrations of 4,800 parts per million, significantly higher than the 1,200 parts per million observed at the nearby Rudyard field. The drilling process spanned 20 days and reached a total depth of 6,311 feet.
The players
Helix Exploration
An energy company focused on helium exploration and extraction through integrated gathering and processing infrastructure.
Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation
The state regulatory authority responsible for oversight, permitting, and environmental compliance of oil and gas operations in Montana.
The details
Helix Exploration used its own equipment to drill and set the casing for the Ollie #1 well, which is now cemented to the surface. The company is currently procuring a workover rig to conduct perforation and testing of the site. If successful, the well will be tied into the existing gathering system and PSA plant for final processing.
Timeline
February 2026: Production commenced at the Rudyard field.
October 31, 2026: Expected mobilisation of the workover rig and potential start of drilling for the Ross #1 well.
Market Landscape
This development follows a pattern of ongoing site preparation and exploration within the broader Rudyard project area. It remains subject to the operational constraints set by the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation regulatory pause.
Operators should monitor the October 31 milestone to see if the firm navigates regulatory hurdles to bring new wells online. Suppliers and service providers in the helium sector should watch for the upcoming testing phase as a key indicator of future procurement needs.
The takeaway
The sharp increase in helium concentration at the new Ollie #1 site provides a strong signal for regional resource viability. Monitor the outcomes of the upcoming perforation tests to determine if the firm successfully scales its production capacity.
What happens next
Helix Exploration expects to mobilize a workover rig to the Ollie #1 site by October 31, 2026. The company also anticipates the potential commencement of drilling at the Ross #1 well on or after October 31, 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
Further reading
For more information on resource extraction developments, visit our Oil and Gas section.
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