The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has confirmed that the sale of the Helium System provided the US Treasury with $460m.
Industrial gas firm Messer successfully closed on its purchase of the Federal Helium System in June.
The Helium System includes helium stored in the caverns in Amarillo, Texas; the Cliffside Field, wells, and gathering system; a 423-mile-long crude helium pipeline; and additional operational assets.
Read more: Messer finalises purchase of Federal Helium Reserve
The Federal Helium System was auctioned by the General Services Administration in January 2024 in accordance with the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013.
In March 2024, it was announced that Messer’s bid had been officially accepted.
Melanie Barnes, BLM New Mexico State Director, said the news marks the end of an era and a successful transition to private industry.
“The Department of the Interior and the BLM commend the efforts of all involved in this process, including ensuring that maximum value was obtained as part of this historic shift.”
The federal helium programme began in 1925, when Congress recognised the need to ensure that helium would be available for defence needs.
After the Helium Stewardship Act passed, the BLM worked with federal partners to decide the next steps for the Federal Helium System and put it up for competitive sale earlier this year.
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