by Steve Wilson
On a quiet stretch of Highway 2 in late November, an unusual sight caught my attention: a massive vehicle resembling a moon rover, outfitted with oversized tires and a large suction-like device beneath its frame. It wasn’t a science-fiction prop—it was a seismic vibrator truck, a tool used to send controlled waves into the earth to map underground formations. These surveys can reveal valuable resources such as helium or hydrogen.
The truck’s presence raised questions. Pulsar Helium, the company behind the promising Topaz Project north of the area, had recently secured Forest Service approval for a seismic survey on the same stretch of Hwy. 2.
Days later, the agency confirmed it was not Pulsar.
“It’s been an interesting week,” said Eric Wirz, a Forest Service geologist, noting they were scrambling to identify the operator.
Ted Anderson of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was equally surprised, saying he was unaware of any prior seismic surveys conducted without state involvement.
Pulsar CEO Thomas Abraham- James acknowledged the mystery but hinted at growing interest in the region.
“Based on our success to date, I would not be surprised if we had some admirers,” he said. In September, Pulsar announced an agreement to acquire Quantum Hydrogen. Abraham-James says Pulsar has no interest in hydrogen opportunities.
Helium or Hydrogen?
While helium remains a rare and valuable resource, the unexplained survey suggests another target: natural hydrogen. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, natural hydrogen occurs underground and burns cleanly, emitting only water vapor.
The U.S. Geological Survey has identified Minnesota’s Midcontinent Rift as a promising zone for hydrogen formation, sparking interest among energy innovators. Two companies stand out.
Koloma, a Denver-based startup founded in 2021, has raised roughly $400 million from major investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures (Bill Gates), Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, and United Airlines.
Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC), operating through Orvian Natural Resources LLC, is also moving aggressively to secure exploration rights.
QIMC’s moves and Koloma’s role QIMC CEO John Karagiannidis confirmed his company is securing Restricted Geophysical Research Areas (RGRA) in St. Louis County, covering about 72 square miles, with more permits expected in Lake and Cook Counties. These designations allow seismic surveys and drilling for hydrogen.
“We’re very confident you’re going to find natural hydrogen in Minnesota,” Karagiannidis said.
When asked about the Hwy. 2 survey, he suspected Koloma, their main competitor.
Lake County records shed light on the mystery. A utility permit dated Aug. 28 authorized work on county highway rights-of-way for Toimi Road, Forest Hwy. 11, and Hwy. 12. The stated purpose: a 2D geophysical survey.
The operation was extensive, involving two VibroSeis trucks, 29 personnel, six UTVs, seven pickups, and five trailers. The permit listed Iron Range Exploration LLC, which has ties to Koloma.
Iron Range Exploration LLC sought right-of-way permitting only from Lake County, bypassing the DNR and U.S. Forest Service, which typically require permits for such work. Whether a county right-ofway permit alone satisfies state and federal regulators remains unclear.
Forest Service officials say a special use authorization should have been obtained, as Pulsar did. Anderson of the DNR noted that if Koloma explored only private minerals, no state permit was needed - but doubted they held rights for the entire corridor, which spans private, county, state, and federal lands.
The legal framework for gas exploration in Minnesota is complex and still evolving. With hydrogen exploration accelerating and regulatory gray areas exposed, one thing is certain: the race for clean energy in Lake County is just beginning.
Seismic exploration up Hwy. 2 in Lake County. This vehicle is working for Koloma (Iron Range Exploration LLC) with contractor Vantage Geophysical Corporation exploring for natural hydrogen in the right-of-way in Lake County. Photo by Steve Wilson
