Helium One Global (AIM: HE1), the premier helium explorer in Tanzania, has announced the successful completion of the Itumbula West-1 well, marking a pivotal development in the field of helium exploration. This milestone is underscored by the remarkable flow of high concentration helium to the surface, positioning the Rukwa Rift Basin as a significant producing helium province.

The Itumbula West-1 well underwent comprehensive wireline logging and drill stem testing (DST), culminating in a helium flow with a measured concentration up to 4.7% from the Basement. This concentration is nearly nine thousand times above background levels, highlighting the well’s extraordinary potential for helium production. Additionally, hydrogen was also detected flowing to the surface during basement testing, with a concentration of 2.2%, significantly above background levels.

The acquisition of wireline logs, including image logs, was instrumental in identifying fault and fracture zones, thereby optimizing well test intervals. Downhole fluid samples, analyzed both onsite and sent for independent verification, confirmed the presence of elevated helium across multiple test intervals. The hot Basement fluids encountered are consistent with helium and hydrogen-prone intervals, suggesting a low enthalpy geothermal system.

Lorna Blaisse, CEO of Helium One Global, expressed enthusiasm over the findings from Itumbula West-1, emphasizing the confirmation of a producing helium province in the Rukwa Rift Basin. The company’s drilling campaign, heralded as a significant success for both Helium One Global and Tanzania, has laid the groundwork for advancing this project towards commercial viability.

The Itumbula West-1 well’s results, including the high helium and hydrogen concentrations, elevate temperatures and the identification of fault zones, are a testament to the robust potential of the Rukwa Rift Basin. These findings not only reinforce the basin’s capacity to produce helium but also open avenues for utilizing geothermal energy in development and production phases.

Helium One Global’s strategic approach, from leveraging learnings from previous wells to optimizing well locations and technology, illustrates a commitment to pioneering sustainable helium exploration. The collaboration with local communities, the Ministry of Minerals, and the Mining Commission of Tanzania has been pivotal in achieving these milestones.

As Helium One Global evaluates these results and plans the next steps, the future of helium exploration in Tanzania looks promising. The Itumbula West-1 well’s success not only signifies a leap forward in sustainable energy resources but also showcases Tanzania’s potential as a leader in the global helium market.

The success of the Itumbula West-1 well by Helium One Global marks a significant milestone in helium exploration, not just for Tanzania but for the global market. The discovery of high concentration helium and the potential for geothermal energy utilization underscore the importance of innovative exploration techniques and sustainable resource management. As the company moves towards evaluating and advancing this project, the focus on environmental sustainability and collaboration with local communities sets a benchmark for future explorations.

  helium exploration, Helium One Global, Itumbula West-1 well, Lorna Blaisse, Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania