Tanzania-focused Helium One Global Ltd (AIM: HE1, OTCQB: HLOGF) has commenced drilling at the Itumbula West-1 (ITW-1) site in preparation for an extended well test (EWT) targeting the fractured basement and faulted Karoo intervals.
This follows a successful drill stem test in February that produced a flow of 4.7% helium to the surface.
Geolog, the contractor, is conducting mudlogging and testing during the drilling process to monitor for helium gas shows. Initial indications of helium and hydrogen have been observed while drilling out the 9⅝” shoe and re-entering the original wellbore.
Highlights
· Drilling operations have commenced at ITW-1 ahead of the planned extended well test (“EWT”)
· Plan to test two intervals: the fractured Basement and faulted Karoo, following the successful flow of 4.7% helium to surface during the drill stem test (“DST”) in February 2024
· Prior to undertaking the EWT, the well will be deepened further into the Basement
· Geolog undertaking mudlogging and testing whilst drilling to monitor helium gas shows, with above background indications of helium and hydrogen already observed whilst drilling out the 9⅝” shoe and re-entering the original wellbore
· Portable mass spectrometer and field pressure-volume-temperature specialist on site to measure and validate helium gas shows as well as downhole samples from EWT
· Global technology company, SLB (formerly Schlumberger) contracted and onsite for fluid services with surface well testing equipment currently on route to operating location
· Phase III operations from spud to completion of EWT is anticipated to take approximately five weeks
A portable mass spectrometer and a field pressure-volume-temperature specialist are on-site to measure and validate helium gas shows and downhole samples from the EWT.
SLB (formerly Schlumberger) is providing fluid services, with surface well testing equipment currently en route to the site. The Phase III operations, from the start of drilling to the completion of the EWT, are expected to take approximately five weeks.
CEO Lorna Blaisse stated that the goal is to fully evaluate the play. “The team has been working on subsurface modelling ahead of the EWT, and the results will be integrated into the feasibility study,” she said.
“We look forward to making further announcements as we deepen the well and begin the crucial testing phase of the fault-fracture helium play.”
