Dig Deep Hotspur Helium: Powering the Future of Technology
We're joined by Tom Elliott, the founder of Hotspur Helium, who holds the largest multinational primary helium portfolio globally.
We discuss what Hotspur Helium is building and the ambition behind the company, before stepping back to look at why helium has become such a compelling focus for investors and operators alike. Tom shares insight into the critical uses of helium — from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to space and technology, and the demand trends reshaping the global supply landscape.
We also discuss how Hotspur Helium thinks about where to operate globally, what differentiates the company in an increasingly competitive space, and where it currently sits in its growth journey. Finally, we dive into the commercial realities of helium projects, including off-take interest, project economics, payback potential, and what the outlook looks like over the coming years.
This is a practical, forward-looking conversation about a niche commodity that plays an outsized role in modern industry, and how Hotspur Helium is positioning itself within that opportunity
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hotspur Helium differentiates itself by targeting "elephant" prospects—large-scale deposits (at least 5 BCF of recoverable helium) in the Middle East and Southern Africa, rather than the smaller pockets often found in North America.
- While 95% of global helium is currently a byproduct of the oil and gas industry, Hotspur is focused on "primary helium" exploration. This ensures a stable supply that isn't subject to the volatility of LNG market prices.
- Helium is irreplaceable in high-growth sectors, specifically semiconductor manufacturing, MRI scanners, and space exploration. Each SpaceX launch, for instance, consumes roughly 6% of daily global helium production.
- Since its founding in 2024, the company has acquired 20,000 square kilometres of acreage. They aim to finalise surface exploration in 2026, begin drilling in 2028, and bring the first helium online by 2030.
BEST MOMENTS
"Hotspur Helium... holds the largest multinational primary helium portfolio globally."
"Someone said to me the other day, 'Oh, so you're elephant hunting.' And that's essentially what we're doing... we're the first people through the door and we're able to acquire the best acreage."
"Right now, is helium the tail on the dog or is it the flea on the end of the tail of the dog? Right now, given the size of the LNG industry, it's pretty small... "
"It's an extremely lucrative commodity... worth something like 200 to 300 times that of natural gas”
GUEST RESOURCES
Email: info@hotspurhelium.com
LinkedIn (Hotspur): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotspurhelium/
LinkedIn (TE): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-elliott-230731316
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail: rob@mining-international.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast
Web: http://www.mining-international.org
CONTACT METHOD
rob@mining-international.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
Podcast Description
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/