Unlocking future Helium Potential
Rukwa project
The Rukwa project is located in southwestern Tanzania within the Rukwa Rift basin which occupies the western branch of the East Africa Rift System (EARS). The Company currently holds 12 Prospecting Licences, covering an area of approximately 1,899km2.
Rukwa hosts independently verified (SRK-2020) Best-Estimate Unrisked Prospective Recoverable Helium Resource (2U/P50) of 138Bcf, making this the largest known primary helium resource in the world. Helium concentrations up to 10.2% He have been recorded in surface seeps, representing incredible high grade compared to typical values of 0.1-0.3% associated with hydrocarbon by-product production. An extensive multispectral satellite spectroscopy (MSS) seep study over the basin in 2021 also confirmed the presence of these known seeps and has aided our exploration efforts with identifying potential new seeps and understanding helium migration through the basin.
Activity map Rukwa Basin
Surface helium anomaly associated with shallow faulting across Tai prospect
Seismic section highlighting helium shows in the Tai well
The exploration programme undertaken in 2021 involved acquiring ~400km of 2D seismic and the drilling of two wells (Tai-1/-1A and Tai-2). This has provided proof of concept and has enabled the Company to reduce the exploration risk in the Rukwa Basin. The drilling of the Tai prospect demonstrated a working helium system and indicated the presence of good to excellent-quality reservoirs, thick sealing units and helium gas shows at multiple prospective intervals. The next drilling programme is designed to prove a discovery at Tai and propel Rukwa into a feasibility and development stage.
Gravity derived Basement map over Tai and Itumbula prospects, with 2D seismic surveys overlain
Geoseismic section across the Tai and Itumbula High
The closest town to the project is Mbeya which is approximately 130km away and is the fifth largest city in Tanzania. Mbeya can be accessed along the A7/TANZAM highway and excellent infrastructure exists in the town to support project operations.
