New Era Helium Completes Business Combination, Set to Trade on Nasdaq

New Era Helium, Inc. (NEH) has successfully completed its business combination with Roth CH Acquisition V. Co., paving the way for the company to begin trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The merger, which was approved by stockholders on November 26, 2024, positions NEH as a publicly traded entity under the new ticker symbols 'NEHC' and 'NEHCW', effective December 9, 2024.

This strategic move comes at a time when the demand for helium is expected to surge, particularly due to the growth of data centers powering artificial intelligence. NEH, with its substantial helium and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin, is poised to play a significant role in meeting this increasing demand. The company boasts over 137,000 acres in Southeast New Mexico and claims to have more than 1.5 billion cubic feet of proved and probable helium reserves.

The completion of this business combination is accompanied by a series of financing transactions that bolster NEH's financial position. On December 6, 2024, the company entered into agreements with ATW Partners Opportunities Management, LLC, securing a $75 million equity purchase agreement and up to $10 million in senior secured notes. Additionally, warrants were issued for the potential purchase of up to $30 million in common stock.

NEH's listing on Nasdaq is expected to enhance its visibility and attract U.S. investors interested in energy infrastructure and sustainable innovation. This increased attention could prove crucial as the company pursues its ambitious plans, including a recently announced non-binding joint venture with Sharon AI, Inc. to construct a 90MW net-zero Tier 3 data center within the Permian Basin.

The proposed data center project highlights NEH's strategic positioning at the intersection of energy production and technological innovation. By combining Sharon AI's expertise in high-performance computing with NEH's extensive helium and natural gas reserves, the company aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that not only meets the growing demand for data processing capabilities but also addresses environmental concerns. The planned use of sustainable energy and carbon capture technology could potentially offset approximately 250,000 metric tons of CO2 annually.

E. Will Gray II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Era Helium, emphasized the significance of the Nasdaq listing, stating that it marks a crucial moment in the company's corporate journey. He expressed that the listing will enhance NEH's public profile within the industry and broaden its reach to institutional investors in the AI datacenter and helium markets.

The implications of NEH's public listing and its focus on helium production are far-reaching. Helium is a critical component in various high-tech applications, including MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and rocket propulsion. As the global economy continues to digitize and the demand for advanced technologies grows, securing a stable supply of helium becomes increasingly important.

Furthermore, NEH's approach to combining helium production with sustainable practices and AI-driven technologies could set a new standard in the energy sector. If successful, their model could inspire similar initiatives, potentially accelerating the transition to more environmentally friendly practices in resource extraction and utilization.

As New Era Helium begins its journey as a publicly traded company, industry observers will be watching closely to see how it navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead. The company's performance could provide valuable insights into the future of helium production, the integration of energy resources with cutting-edge technologies, and the potential for sustainable practices in traditionally carbon-intensive industries.