US Federal Government Laboratories Verify Helium-3
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NEWS RELEASE | JANUARY 19, 2026 | CASCAIS, PORTUGAL
U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LABORATORIES VERIFY HELIUM-3 RESULTS AT PULSAR HELIUM'S TOPAZ PROJECT IN THE USA
Pulsar Helium Inc. (AIM: PLSR, TSXV: PLSR, OTCQB: PSRHF) ("Pulsar" or the "Company"), a primary helium company, is pleased to announce that two U.S. Federal laboratories have independently confirmed the helium-3 isotope concentration from the Company's Topaz helium project in Minnesota, USA. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Noble Gas Laboratory in Denver and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California each analyzed raw gas samples from the Jetstream #1 well, with both labs reporting values closely matching those verified by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) (Pulsar news release October 1, 2025), confirming the presence of helium-3 (³He) in the gas with a concentration range of 11.2-11.9 parts-per-billion (ppb) and associated with 7.7-8.0% helium-4 (4He), respectively.
Highlights:
• Strategic Significance: ³He is an exceptionally rare and high-value isotope (~US$2,500 per liter, or >US$18 million per kilogram) with applications in neutron detection for nuclear security, low-temperature physics/quantum computing, and potentially as a future fuel for nuclear fusion reactors. Its global scarcity, and value underscore why the Topaz discovery is seen as strategically important.
• Third-Party Confirmation: Independent analyses by two U.S. Federal laboratories at the USGS and LLNL found ~8% ⁴He and a ³He/⁴He isotopic ratio of ~0.10 Rₐ in the Jetstream #1 gas sample, consistent with WHOI's results (7.7% ⁴He, ³He/⁴He = 0.104 Rₐ) and confirming a ³He concentration of approximately 11.2-11.9 ppb.
• Consistent Isotopic Signature: All three laboratories measured essentially the same ³He/⁴He ratio (~0.1 Rₐ, where Rₐ is the atmospheric ³He/⁴He ratio), indicating highly reproducible data. This aligns with earlier reservoir-wide measurements (~0.09 Rₐ) that suggested a single, stable helium source throughout Topaz.
• Among the Highest Helium-3 Levels on Earth: The ~11-12 ppb ³He confirmed in Topaz's gas ranks among the highest naturally occurring ³He concentrations reported in a terrestrial reservoir. Previously, Pulsar reported sustained ³He levels up to 14.5 ppb in Jetstream #1, a level comparable to estimates of ³He in lunar regolith (∼1.4-15 ppb).
• Rigorous Sampling Methodology: The verified sample was collected by Pulsar's Scientific Helium-3 Advisor, Dr. Peter Barry of WHOI on December 10, 2025, using the industry-standard copper tube (Cu-tube) sampling method. Gas was continuously purged from the well and trapped in sealed copper tubing every ~40 minutes over the course of the day, yielding 21 discrete samples. One representative Cu-tube sample was then selected for interlaboratory comparison, with aliquots distributed to WHOI, USGS, and LLNL for noble gas isotope analysis. Copper-tube sampling is a widely used technique for noble gases, gas samples for helium isotope analysis are captured in sealed copper tubes that are clamped and taken to the lab to prevent contamination. This rigorous approach ensured that all three labs analyzed identical source material under controlled conditions.
• Scientific Validation of Topaz Data: The close agreement of ³He results from three separate laboratories (including two U.S. government labs) provides strong third-party validation of Topaz's helium content. All labs reported 4He in the 7.7-8.0% range and ³He/⁴He ratios ~0.10 Rₐ, confirming that Pulsar's initial ³He discovery data are accurate and reproducible. Such consistency underscores the reliability of the Company's geochemical dataset and bolsters confidence in the significance of the Topaz discovery.
Thomas Abraham-James, President & CEO of Pulsar, commented:
"Having the USGS and LLNL independently verify our helium-3 results is a landmark moment for Pulsar. We are extremely encouraged to see that all labs report essentially identical helium-3 concentrations in our gas, which gives us and our stakeholders full confidence in the accuracy and significance of this discovery.
Beyond the scientific validation, these results carry strategic implications for the Topaz project. Helium-3 is a rare and critical resource, and now that multiple laboratories have confirmed its presence and grade in our Jetstream #1 well, we intend to actively engage with the U.S. government regarding Topaz's development. We see an opportunity to collaborate with government agencies to fast-track this project as a new domestic source of helium-3. Considering these confirmations, Pulsar will be pursuing U.S. government participation in Topaz, a step that could accelerate our path forward and help realize the full strategic value of this discovery for all stakeholders."
Confirmatory Results by USGS and LLNL
The USGS Noble Gas Lab (Denver) and LLNL both conducted independent analyses on a raw gas sample drawn from the Jetstream #1 well, and each lab's findings closely mirrored the others. WHOI, which had previously analyzed Pulsar's samples, reported 7.7% ⁴He with a ³He/⁴He ratio of 0.104 Rₐ, while the USGS measured 7.9 ± 0.2% ⁴He with a ³He/⁴He of 0.098 ± 0.005Rₐ, and LLNL found 7.9% ⁴He with 0.108 Rₐ. (for reference, Rₐ denotes the 3He/4He ratio normalized to air's composition.) All three datasets correspond to a helium-3 concentration on the order of 10−8 by volume, i.e. roughly 11-12 parts per billion of the gas. The fact that three separate labs working blind of each other arrived at virtually identical results illustrates the excellent reproducibility of Topaz's ³He assay.
This independent verification directly affirms Pulsar's earlier laboratory findings. In the initial discovery phase, gas from Jetstream #1 was analyzed by Smart Gas Sciences (Ohio) and independently verified at WHOI, revealing ³He concentrations up to 14.5 ppb. Those October 2025 results established Topaz as one of the richest terrestrial ³He sources on record. Now, the USGS and LLNL have reconfirmed the presence and magnitude of ³He in Topaz gas with their own instruments, solidifying the discovery with two additional layers of third-party confirmation. Notably, the ³He/⁴He isotopic ratio observed (~0.1 Rₐ) is the same across all samples and labs, reinforcing that the helium at Topaz originates from a single, consistent source in the subsurface. The ability of completely independent laboratories to replicate the ³He results gives strong credence to the accuracy and robustness of Pulsar's data.
Cu-Tube Sampling Ensures Reliable Data
A high degree of confidence in these results was achieved through careful sample collection and handling. On December 10, 2025, Dr. Peter Barry (Associate Scientist at WHOI and Pulsar's Scientific Helium-3 Advisor) personally conducted the sampling of gas from Jetstream #1 using the Cu-tube method. In this procedure, gas flowing from the well was continuously purged to remove stagnant fluids, and a series of sealed copper tubes were filled at regular intervals (approximately every 40 minutes) over the course of the day. A total of 21 copper tube samples were collected from morning to afternoon, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the well's gas output under steady-state conditions. Each copper tube was crimped using a specialized clamp immediately after filling, preserving the gas at well pressure in an airtight container. This method is a standard in noble gas geochemistry, for example, USGS scientists collect volcanic gas samples in the field by clamping them into copper tubes, which are then transported to the laboratory for helium isotope analysis. The use of sealed Cu-tubes prevents air ingress or loss of helium, thereby maintaining the integrity of the sample's noble gas content from wellhead to lab.
For the interlaboratory comparison, one representative copper-tube sample (aliquot) was selected and divided among WHOI, USGS, and LLNL. Each lab received an identical portion of gas from this same sample to analyze using its own noble gas mass spectrometry protocols. By distributing aliquots of a single sample, any variability in results would directly reflect analytical differences; instead, all three labs reported the same helium isotope values. This outcome demonstrates not only the precision of each laboratory's measurements, but also the effectiveness of the sampling protocol. The Cu-tube sampling and triple-laboratory analytical approach provided a rigorous check on the data: the concurrence of results across laboratories confirms that Topaz's ³He readings are reproducible and not an artifact of any single collection or analysis process. It is a strong validation that the ³He enrichment at Topaz is both genuine and consistently measurable.
Scientific Validation and Strategic Significance
The interlaboratory consistency achieved is a scientific validation of the Topaz helium discovery and a milestone for Pulsar's ³He program. As previously announced, on October 1, 2025, the Company revealed a landmark discovery of ³He at Topaz, with a sample yielding approximately 14.5 ppb ³He in produced gas alongside 11.4% ⁴He. Pulsar subsequently appointed Dr. Peter Barry of WHOI as its Scientific Helium-3 Advisor, tasking him with coordinating independent verification of the ³He results. The analyses by USGS and LLNL now fulfill that mandate, providing an unequivocal, third-party agreement with the initial findings. In essence, three separate laboratories have drawn the same conclusion: the Topaz reservoir contains ³He in concentrations on the order of 10 ppb.
This confirmation elevates the significance of Topaz's discovery on the world stage. ³He is an extremely rare isotope, it exists in Earth's atmosphere at only about 7 parts per trillion, and even in the crust it is vanishingly scarce, typically appearing (if at all) in the parts-per-trillion to parts-per-billion range. For context, a recent peer discovery in Australia reported only sub-ppb traces of ³He. Topaz's ³He content, now rigorously established at ~11 ppb, places it firmly among the highest recorded on Earth. In fact, the Topaz gas sample contains a ³He concentration on par with estimates for lunar regolith: NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have been funding research into extracting ³He from Moon rocks (which contain on the order of 1.4 to 15 ppb ³He). ³He is coveted for its unique applications, it has a high value (currently around $2,500 per liter, or $18+ million per kilogram) due to uses in neutron detection for nuclear security, in low-temperature physics/quantum computing (as a cooling agent in dilution refrigerators), and potentially as a future fuel for nuclear fusion reactors. This rarity and value underscore why the Topaz discovery is seen as strategically important. With ³He so scarce globally that governments have historically relied on specialized reactors and advance purchase agreements to obtain it, a domestic natural source of ³He in the United States could be of significant scientific and geopolitical value.
Next Steps
With the independent verification now complete, Pulsar will move to capitalize on this momentum. The Company believes that the Topaz ³He discovery, now vetted by third parties, represents an opportunity for the Company at a time when ³He is in high demand for research, computing and security uses. Management will be reaching out to relevant U.S. Government agencies and departments to explore partnerships, funding, or other forms of participation to advance the Topaz project. Such involvement could range from research collaboration and technology development (for ³He extraction and separation) to offtake agreements or strategic investment. Now backed by independent verification, Pulsar is uniquely positioned to present Topaz as a strategic domestic ³He asset.
All helium analyses and comparisons reported herein were reviewed by Dr. Barry (WHOI) for accuracy and consistency. The Company thanks the USGS and LLNL teams for their expert contributions to this interlaboratory study.
About the Topaz Project
The Topaz Project is located in northern Minnesota, USA, where Pulsar is the first mover in helium exploration and holds exclusive leases over the project area. Topaz is a primary helium discovery that contains helium-4, helium-3 and CO2, not associated with primarily hydrocarbon production. Multiple wells drilled by Pulsar have confirmed a laterally extensive helium-rich gas reservoir beneath the project lands. These results appear to indicate a high-quality helium resource. The ongoing Jetstream multi-well appraisal program at Topaz is designed to map out the reservoir's extent, pressure regime, and gas composition, which will inform resource estimation and development planning.
On behalf of Pulsar Helium Inc.
"Thomas Abraham-James"
President, CEO and Director
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About Pulsar Helium Inc.
Pulsar Helium Inc. is a publicly traded company quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (United Kingdom) and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange with the ticker PLSR (Canada), as well as on the OTCQB with the ticker PSRHF (United States of America). Pulsar's portfolio consists of its flagship Topaz helium project in Minnesota, USA, and the Tunu helium project in Greenland. Pulsar is the first mover in both locations with primary helium occurrences not associated with the production of hydrocarbons identified at each.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Qualified Person Signoff
In accordance with the AIM Note for Mining and Oil and Gas Companies, the Company discloses that Dr. Peter Barry, Scientific Helium-3 Advisor of the Company, has reviewed the technical information contained herein. Dr. Barry has a PhD in geochemistry and approximately 20 years of experience working with noble gases. He has worked closely with the oil and gas industry for more than a decade.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements relating to exploring funding and partnership opportunities with the US government, the potential impact of the drill results, the potential of CO2 and/or Helium-3 as a valuable by-product of the Company's future helium production; and the potential for future wells. Forward-looking statements may involve estimates and are based upon assumptions made by management of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's capital cost estimates, management's expectations regarding the availability of capital to fund the Company's future capital and operating requirements and the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals.
No reserves have been assigned in connection with the Company's property interests to date, given their early stage of development. The future value of the Company is therefore dependent on the success or otherwise of its activities, which are principally directed toward the future exploration, appraisal and development of its assets, and potential acquisition of property interests in the future. Un-risked Contingent and Prospective Helium Volumes have been defined at the Topaz Project. However, estimating helium volumes is subject to significant uncertainties associated with technical data and the interpretation of that data, future commodity prices, and development and operating costs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will successfully convert its helium volume to reserves and produce that estimated volume. Estimates may alter significantly or become more uncertain when new information becomes available due to for example, additional drilling or production tests over the life of field. As estimates change, development and production plans may also vary. Downward revision of helium volume estimates may adversely affect the Company's operational or financial performance.
Helium volume estimates are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These estimates are imprecise and depend to some extent on interpretations, which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate and require adjustment or, even if valid when originally calculated, may alter significantly when new information or techniques become available. As further information becomes available through additional drilling and analysis the estimates are likely to change. Any adjustments to volume could affect the Company's exploration and development plans which may, in turn, affect the Company's performance. The process of estimating helium resources is complex and requires significant decisions and assumptions to be made in evaluating the reliability of available geological, geophysical, engineering, and economic date for each property. Different engineers may make different estimates of resources, cash flows, or other variables based on the same available data.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward- looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, that Pulsar may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells; the uncertainty of resource estimation; operational risks in conducting exploration, including that drill costs may be higher than estimates ; commodity prices; health, safety and environmental factors; and other factors set forth above as well as risk factors included in the Company's Annual Information Form dated July 31, 2025 for the year ended September 30, 2024 found under Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca.
Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. No assurance can be given that the forward-looking statements herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
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