Desert Mountain Energy is actively working to reinstate helium on the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) critical mineral list, a status it lost in November 2021 after being included in the list in 2018. According to the Energy Act of 2020, the USGS is required to update its critical minerals list every three years, and CEO Robert Rohlfing is optimistic about the progress being made in discussions surrounding helium's importance [7ca705d3]. Helium is essential for various industries, including energy technology, defense, and healthcare, highlighting its significance in the U.S. economy and national security.
Arizona's Senator Janae Shamp has expressed support for simplifying helium extraction processes, which could facilitate the restoration of helium's status on the critical minerals list. Desert Mountain Energy emphasizes responsible extraction practices and has relocated some of its operations to New Mexico due to permitting delays in Arizona, indicating a strategic shift to ensure continued production and supply of helium [7ca705d3].
In conjunction with these developments, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and NASA are also collaborating to map critical mineral resources across the United States, including efforts focused on helium. The USGS is working with the Arizona Geological Survey as part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), which aims to enhance knowledge of undiscovered critical mineral resources, including helium, that are vital for the nation's supply chains and economic security [40b2b4ea].
The ongoing efforts to map and identify critical minerals are part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on foreign sources and strengthen domestic supply chains. The USGS has announced funding for mapping critical mineral resources in various states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Alaska, as part of its commitment to enhancing domestic mineral supply [9f73d0a7].
Additionally, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing significant funding for the construction of a new USGS Energy and Minerals Research Facility at the Colorado School of Mines, which will focus on addressing critical mineral challenges, including helium extraction and utilization [e1f590f3].