Proactive Investors - Helium One Global Ltd (LON:HE1H)'s CEO, Lorna Blaisse, has recently described results from the Tai-3 well in Tanzania as "very encouraging indeed," signalling a significant advancement in the company's exploration.
Successful recovery of downhole fluid samples from reservoir intervals in the Upper and Lower Karoo Group has confirmed the presence of helium. These findings are pivotal in establishing the area's potential for helium extraction.
Complete wireline logs and initial petrophysical analyses have revealed high-quality reservoir sands in both the Upper and Lower Karoo Group.
Interbedded with well-developed shale-prone seals, these sands present a new understanding of the stratigraphic section in the previously undrilled Rukwa Rift Basin.
Onsite pressure-volume-temperature analysis of the downhole fluid samples has yielded helium concentrations up to 8,320 parts per million (ppm). Such levels significantly surpass the normal background levels of approximately 5ppm, underscoring a rich helium presence in the area.
Challenges were encountered as no Basement downhole samples could be obtained. Wireline tools were unable to go past a measured depth of 1,430 meters due to washouts and ledges.
Despite this, future operations at the Tai-3 well will involve drilling deeper into the Basement target, following an increase in helium shows during drilling.
Data and insights from the Tai-3 well have greatly enhanced the understanding of the active working helium system in the region. A new well location on the Itumbula prospect has been identified thanks to these findings.
Following the completion of rigging down at Tai-3, Helium One's drilling rig will move to the new Itumbula location.
Repairs to the iron roughneck and hydraulics are planned there. After completing these repairs and maintenance works, the company intends to continue its drilling campaign, exploring further the helium potential in the region.
"This is an excellent result for the Company and a huge testament to the team's performance, especially given the challenges we have faced along the way," said CEO Blaisse.
"Whilst disappointing that we were unable to run the wireline tools further into the Basement target at this time, given the increased helium shows we saw at this depth, we are confident that by casing the well and suspending Tai-3, we will be able to return at a later date and target the fractured Basement helium play which we believe to have significant potential."