Montana Approves HeLIX Exploration Helium Restart

Regulators granted a permit exemption allowing the Rudyard facility to resume helium production by venting waste gas.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Isometric editorial illustration of a metal gas extraction wellhead set in a flat, expansive, arid field. — The Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation has approved an exemption allowing HeLIX Exploration to resume helium production at its Rudyard facility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local regulators prioritize rapid business production restarts over stricter environmental gas venting requirements?

The Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation approved a permit exemption for HeLIX Exploration to restart helium production at its Rudyard facility. The move follows a regulatory interruption that forced the company to pause operations in September 2026.

Why it matters

The board approval allows the facility to vent waste gas composed mainly of nitrogen, a step necessary to resume operations. This regulatory clearance clears the path for the company to fulfill pending helium deliveries and continue its field expansion programme.

The Rudyard facility first began producing helium in February 2026 and achieved its first commercial sales by July 2026. Current approval remains subject to ongoing routine gas composition reviews.

The players

Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation

This state agency oversees the regulation and management of oil, gas, and helium production activities within Montana.

HeLIX Exploration

This energy company specializes in the identification and extraction of helium resources, notably operating the facility in Rudyard.

The details

Following the hearing on 15 October 2026, the state board issued the exemption required to restart wells and the associated production infrastructure. HeLIX Exploration has initiated the restart process, with operations expected to return to full functionality within days.

February 2026: Rudyard began producing helium.
July 2026: The facility recorded its first commercial sales.
3 September 2026: The regulatory interruption for production was announced.
15 October 2026: The Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation held a regulatory hearing.
16 October 2026: Regulators granted the restart approval.

Market Landscape

The approval reinforces the regulatory framework governing gas production in the region, providing a clearer operational path for helium extractors. This stability helps HeLIX Exploration remain competitive in the specialty gas market as it advances its field expansion.

The restart of the Rudyard facility allows for the resumption of helium deliveries, which may impact supply chains reliant on domestic helium sources. Local residents and stakeholders may see increased activity at the site as the company resumes its planned field expansion.

The takeaway

The return of the Rudyard facility signals a shift back to active production for one of Montana's specialized energy sites. Operators in the helium space should continue to monitor board requirements regarding waste gas composition to avoid future interruptions.