Noble Helium (ASX:NHE) reports it has launched its first 3D seismic survey a week ahead of schedule, looking for potential soil gas helium anomalies in the North Rukwa Project area in Tanzania.
BGP International Tanzania has commenced acquisition of the Kachinga 3D seismic swath, and the local community is ‘highly engaged and supportive’ with more than 160 locals employed, representing more than 85% of the workforce.
Noble has programmed 8 high-resolution 3D seismic swaths to image the central portion of every lead in the company’s North Rukwa portfolio, which includes all 7 Basin Margin Fault Closures whose presence, size and coincidence with soil gas helium anomalies was recently confirmed by Airborne Gravity Gradiometry.
The acquisition of the 8 3D swaths is expected to take 6-8 weeks, roughly completing 1 per week. As each swath is acquired, a field-processed ‘fast-track’ 3D seismic volume will be produced,
Whilst preliminary, each fast track volume will provide initial indications of the potential drill targets, with the first volume expected in early October.
Noble Helium co-founder and CEO Justyn Wood said the company commend BPG International on its excellent planning and preparation, allowing the 3D seismic surveys to commence a week ahead of schedule and be completed well in advance of the coming wet season.
“The results from each of our exploration programs in 2022 have added to the body of evidence that indicates North Rukwa is highly prospective for helium”
“The results from each of our exploration programs in 2022 have added to the body of evidence that indicates North Rukwa is highly prospective for helium and confirmed that the basin has the potential to emerge as the world’s largest primary helium reserve.
“We look forward to the results of the 3D seismic surveys, which will provide detailed insights into each lead in our North Rukwa portfolio.”
The fully processed 3D volumes from BPG International’s processing centre are anticipated in early Q1 2023, for final interpretation, Quantitative Interpretation and integration with the Airborne Gravity Gradiometry to update the Company’s Petrel based geological model.
These 3D surveys represent a key component of Noble’s exploration program to select the two most prospective helium targets for drilling in 2023.
The 3D seismic data is expected to provide maximum pre-drill confidence in discovery of helium, along with accurate well designed and precise locations for the 2 planned exploration wells.
Noble has received expressions of interest from multiple parties, regarding the farm-out process to fund the 2023 drilling campaign at North Rukwa.
Results from this 3D seismic survey are expected to play an important role in advancing these discussions.
The potential for helium to have been retained within the rift basins of Tanzania is considered ‘significant’.
After the first oil discoveries in Uganda in 2006, in which Noble’s CEO played a key role, a succession of oil and gas exploration wells in the EARS basins of Uganda and Kenya demonstrated an ‘extraordinary’ discovery rate of 80%, or 4 in 5 from over 30 wells.
More than 4 billion BOE has been proven, and both countries are now progressing to commercial production.
Neighbouring Rukwa Basin explorer Helium One Global has recently announced plans to re-drill its Tai-1 well, which demonstrated multiple helium shows from surface to basement in August 2021. Tai-1 is located 30km to the south of the company’s licence.
Additionally, Noble Helium has commissioned the first ever helium Atlas, which is an exclusive 5 year agreement allowing the company to identify additional prospective areas to target for diversification.
The helium Atlas uniquely positions Noble as a world leading helium explorer.
Images: Noble Helium Ltd
