Zak Mir interviewed Mendell Helium CEO Nick Tulloch regarding M3Helium's new farm-in agreement with Scout Energy to advance helium resource development in Kansas' Hugoton Gas Field. Mendell Helium announced that M3 Helium Corp. has signed an exclusive farm-in and fixed-price helium agreement with Scout Energy Partners over 161,280 acres of the Hugoton gas field (“Leases”), one of North America's largest natural gas fields. Under M3 Helium’s agreement, the company can drill up to 200 wells across 160,000 acres in Kansas' Hugoton Gas Field, with an initial commitment to drill at least 25 wells by March 2026. Overview of the Farm-In Agreement This farm-in with Scout Energy represents a ‘win-win scenario’ for both firms. M3 Helium is now able to test and develop helium-rich resources across a seven-township area (about 160,000 acres) on the Hugoton Gas Field and tap into infrastructure whose potential has already been established. Key Terms of the Agreement A cornerstone of the farm-in agreement is that M3 Helium agreed to drill 25 wells by March 2026 with the option to drill up to 200 wells by the end of agreement. Based on this timeframe, the wells would be drilled in a way to maximise helium production. Additionally, M3 Helium will have the exclusive right to have its wells exit into Scout Energy’s gathering system, which represents a considerable advantage since the infrastructure is already in place. Exclusivity and Infrastructure Benefits The key to the agreement is exclusivity awarded to M3 Helium to utilise Scout Energy’s gathering system. With this system, M3 Helium can sidestep many of the costs involved with helium transport and processing. The gathering system provides a direct pipeline to market for M3 Helium, which means it can avoid many of the ugly delays that come with trying to build new infrastructure. Also, the existing pipeline infrastructure and the nearby proximity of wells to those pipelines help streamline the process. With M3 Helium’s drilling efforts connected to Scout’s infrastructure, the logistical considerations are minimised, and the potential for extracting helium is maximised. Understanding the Hugoton Gas Field The Hugoton Gas Field is one of the oldest and the largest natural gas fields in the United States and has a long productive history spanning more than 90 years. The location also happens to be a very well known source of helium, which is one of the main reasons why M3 Helium has located their operations there. The reason the Hugoton Gas Field is so abundant in helium is because the geology of the field promotes the presence of helium. Helium is often found with natural gas, which is the main product of the Hugoton Gas Field. Since thousands of wells have already been drilled in the field, they have a production history that will inform the drilling of the new wells: ‘We will know where to go and what to expect.’ This production history can help determine the optimal amount of permits – and where to drill them – to maximise production while minimising their costs and the associated risk of exploratory activities. Financial Implications of the Deal The financial implications of the farm-in agreement are sizable. M3 Helium stands to benefit from cheaper operating costs because of the access to Scout’s infrastructure. The two-stage arrangement lets M3 Helium drill wells on Scout property at a fraction of the value of a regular lease – word on the street is around $50 per acre. All told, that adds up to about $8 million in total, a fraction of the cost it would be to secure such real estate in the open market. This puts M3 Helium in a solid financial position to invest in technology and innovation to improve its extraction, while the fixed price of helium shields the company from volatility to ensure steady revenue as its production increases. The David and Goliath Dynamic The relationship between M3 Helium and Scout Energy illustrates one of those classic David-and-Goliath energy stories: M3 Helium is the small newbie player, and Scout Energy is the big, established operator. But M3 Helium gets the benefit of Scout Energy’s infrastructure and operational expertise and avoids much of the financial risk. Such joint ventures are less common – especially in mature industries such as helium production. The unusual positioning of M3 Helium within this partnership is not only making it more effective operationally. It is also giving it a stronger competitive market position in a traditionally oligopolistic market. This strategic partnership shows the potential that small companies have for growing through strategic collaborations. Conclusion: Looking Ahead for M3 Helium Life looks good. This joint venture between M3 Helium and Scout Energy is great news for the company. The reduction in operating costs, access to current infrastructure and the fixed tolling fee model will put them in a good position as they scale. They ...
