Mendell Helium (LON: MDH) has reported further operational progress across its Rost 1-26, Rost 2-26 and Brobee assets in Kansas, with production from both Rost wells expected to begin following completion of final power infrastructure later this month.
The company said testing of the Brobee saltwater disposal well exceeded expectations, with the Arbuckle formation accepting water under a full natural surface vacuum, allowing gravity-fed disposal without the need for pumping. The well is permitted to handle up to 10,000 barrels of water per day, providing low-cost disposal capacity for current operations and future regional expansion.
At Rost 2-26, Halliburton has delivered an optimised electrical submersible pump (ESP) and advanced variable frequency drive with 24-hour remote telemetry. Installation will begin once a new high-capacity electrical connection and transformer are completed, after which de-watering operations will commence.
Meanwhile, Rost 1-26 has undergone several upgrades designed to accelerate production. The perforated interval has been doubled to four feet, a sand-tolerant pump has been installed to improve reliability, and a larger surface beam pump capable of handling up to 900 barrels of water per day will replace the existing unit.
Wellhead testing continues to show stable helium concentrations of approximately 5.1%, consistent with previous results.
Chief executive Nick Tulloch said the company expects de-watering operations at both Rost wells to begin by mid-August, subject to completion of the utility connection.
He added that the company is also evaluating improvements to its surface processing facilities to remove nitrogen and hydrocarbons from the gas stream, increasing helium purity for customers as production ramps up.
