Blue Star Helium (ASX:BNL) transitioned its Pinon Canyon facility to 24/7 operations, marking the completion of Stage 1 at the Galactica Project.
The move to continuous production follows extensive automation and system upgrades, bringing six wells online and ending the previous schedule of intermittent daylight maintenance.
The operational shift arrives as the company secures its initial helium sales on a spot-price basis, with the first tube trailer already filled and a second expected to arrive on-site shortly.
Supply chain disruptions and widespread rationing have heightened demand for reliable, US-sourced helium, potentially providing Blue Star with a favourable environment for its ongoing long-term offtake negotiations.
Beyond helium, the company remains on track for CO2 liquefaction in the second quarter of 2026.
This will align with the production tie-in of the high-CO2 Jackson 27 well, allowing the joint venture—held 50% with Helium One Global—to begin commercial CO2 sales.
Despite the industrial milestones, the company’s financial strategy has taken a sudden turn.
Immediately following the production announcement, Blue Star requested a trading halt on the ASX.