Helium-3, widely regarded as the most valuable isotope known to humankind, is now being referenced openly at the highest levels of government policymaking, increasingly recognised as a foundational input for the next phase of space exploration, advanced energy systems, and quantum-era infrastructure.
In recent interviews, Jared Isaacman, the newly appointed Administrator of NASA, has spoken candidly (04:30-05:05) about the role helium-3 could play, as the United States moves from exploration to permanence in space. The lunar regolith is widely recognized as one of the richest known natural reservoirs of helium-3, and several governments and space agencies have publicly stated intentions to evaluate lunar extraction as part of longer-term space-economy planning.
From sustained lunar operations to nuclear-enabled spacecraft, helium-3 is increasingly being framed as a strategic enabler underpinning the emergence of a future orbital economy. Its unique nuclear and quantum properties support applications across advanced cryogenics, neutron detection, fusion research, and next-generation quantum systems. As these sectors scale, demand for helium-3 is expected to rise from a small existing base into a more expansive supply environment, driven by a rapidly developing customer base across various emerging helium-3-dependent industries.
Helium-3 is exceptionally scarce. Unlike more common helium (helium-4), it has not historically been recognised as occurring in meaningful quantities on Earth, instead being sourced almost exclusively as a by-product of nuclear programmes and specialised research facilities. That paradigm, however, may be about to change.
Pulsar Helium Inc. (AIM/TSXV: PLSR, OTCQB: PSRHF) is advancing what could prove to be the world’s first viable terrestrial source of helium-3. At its Topaz Project in Minnesota, USA, laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of helium-3 at concentrations that are broadly equivalent to those on the moon. The helium-3 at Topaz is hosted within gas and would be produced via surface gas processing, distinguishing it fundamentally from solid-material mining concepts being considered for the moon. Crucially, this discovery is being advanced within a stable jurisdiction, an increasingly important consideration as governments recognize helium-3 as a strategically significant resource.
The implications are significant if terrestrial production of helium-3 can be realized. Should the Topaz Project in Minnesota yield commercial quantities of helium-3, the pathway from production to end user could prove materially shorter than waiting for lunar infrastructure to mature and deliver. The fact that helium-3 at Topaz is gas-borne further shortens the pathway to market by leveraging established gas-production and separation infrastructure. Furthermore, costs, technical risk, and geopolitical complexity would be reduced, with terrestrial production offering a far more immediate and technically feasible pathway to meeting early demand from quantum technologies and other frontier industries on Earth.
This does not diminish lunar ambition. Space-based helium-3 may one day support a fully realized orbital economy, with terrestrial helium-3 potentially underpinning the critical transition phase that gets us there.
Against this backdrop, terrestrial optionality could fast become a strategic imperative.
Those who can deliver helium-3 reliably, compliantly, and sooner than expected are likely to occupy a pivotal position in this emerging supply chain. In that context, Pulsar’s terrestrial discovery represents a potential inflection point, one that could reduce reliance on lunar mining, accelerate access to a critical isotope, and reshape how the world thinks about helium-3 in the years ahead.
Pulsar Helium’s shares trade on TSXV: PLSR | OTCQB: PSRHF | AIM: PLSR
Disclaimer
This article contains information based on current market conditions and publicly available data. It does not constitute financial advice, and investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
Marc Farrington PR & Partnerships marc@pulsarhelium.com #PLSRINSIGHTS Follow us on X