From Local Roots to Global Leadership

 

Born and raised in Portsmouth, Neil Herbert is now at the forefront of sustainable helium exploration, leading a movement to transform the way this critical resource is extracted and supplied. As the Co-Founder and Chairman of Pulsar Helium, a company valued at £34.8 million and listed on the London Stock Exchange, Neil is making waves in the natural resources sector by championing ethical and environmentally responsible helium production.

Neil’s journey began just nine miles away in Cowplain before he moved to Drayton at the age of 16. His time at Havant & South Downs College instilled in him a relentless drive, setting the foundation for his impressive career in resource exploration. His first major success came as the finance director of UraMin, a uranium start-up, where he played a pivotal role in securing $400 million in funding. The company was later sold for an astonishing $2.5 billion in 2007, solidifying Neil’s reputation as a financial and strategic powerhouse in the mining industry.

 

The Helium Boom: A Scarce Yet Essential Resource

Recognising the increasing global demand for helium—an element crucial to AI advancements, renewable energy, medical imaging, and space exploration—Neil co-founded Pulsar Helium. His vision was clear: to develop a sustainable and independent helium supply, free from the environmental pitfalls of traditional extraction methods.

The company’s flagship Topaz Project in Minnesota has become a game-changer in the industry. The site boasts exceptionally pure helium reserves, with gas concentrations reaching a staggering 14.5%—far exceeding the industry’s 0.3% threshold for commercial viability. This makes it one of the most significant and high-grade helium discoveries in the world today.

 

Pioneering a Sustainable Future

Traditional helium extraction is often a byproduct of hydrocarbon production, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Pulsar Helium, under Neil’s leadership, has adopted a groundbreaking method—extracting helium directly from underground reserves. This approach eliminates the reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with helium production.

With global helium supplies under increasing strain due to declining reserves and skyrocketing industrial demand, Neil’s commitment to sustainable sourcing ensures a steady and eco-friendly supply of this vital resource. His innovative approach aligns with the urgent need for greener alternatives in resource extraction.

 

Portsmouth’s Global Influence

Neil’s success is more than just a business achievement; it highlights how Portsmouth continues to produce world-class innovators. His work with Pulsar Helium not only strengthens the global helium supply chain but also reinforces the city’s legacy of contributing to cutting-edge technological advancements.

As helium becomes even more indispensable in the world of science, technology, and clean energy, Neil Herbert’s leadership ensures that Portsmouth’s name is associated with the future of sustainable resource exploration. From a small town to a global stage, he stands as a testament to how local talent can drive international change.