200 billion cubic feet of helium , page-10

knewbegin,
The helium is part of the total composition of the gas stream. It can range from mere parts per millions to a few percent of the total composition. In almost all cases, it has to be extracted as a by-product of the gas stream which is for the most part methane. Typically the gas stream contains inerts such as helium and nitrogen and corrosives such as CO2. Depending on the richness of the gas, heavier ends ie C3+..., may be present. Generally through refrigeration, recovery of these heavier components is possible ie propane, butane, pentane, etc.

Again the amount recoverable is a function of the quality of the gas and how lean or rich it is. The percentages vary field by field and sometimes well by well. For the helium to be extracted, the methane itself has to prove to be economic ie commercial rates required to build plant, infrastructure, etc.

Still waiting for a firm drilling program.