Thor Energy plc (AIM: THR, ASX: THR) has reported highly encouraging preliminary results from its Phase-2 soil air geochemistry programme at the HY-Range Natural Hydrogen Project in South Australia, with natural hydrogen concentrations reaching as high as 3% (30,000 ppm).
The results significantly exceed typical atmospheric background levels and validate multiple high-priority exploration targets identified during the company’s earlier Phase-1 survey.
The programme successfully confirmed elevated hydrogen readings across three key focus areas — Mallala, Lochiel and Crystal — with numerous samples recording hydrogen concentrations hundreds to thousands of times above normal background levels. At one location, validated samples returned 3% hydrogen, while an adjacent site recorded 1.5%, representing some of the highest readings identified to date.
Importantly, the Phase-2 campaign was designed not only to expand exploration coverage but also to rigorously test the reliability of the results. Thor refined its sampling techniques by varying sample depths, durations and collection methods while introducing strict control measures aimed at eliminating contamination risks and reducing the likelihood of false positives.
The company said the results provide strong evidence of active natural hydrogen generation within the licence area and further strengthen confidence in its geological model.
Thor’s technical team has also identified compelling correlations between the hydrogen anomalies and major crustal-scale geological structures, including basement faults and fluid migration pathways that are considered critical for concentrating commercially significant volumes of natural hydrogen and helium.
Managing Director Andrew Hume described the results as exceeding expectations, noting that replicating and expanding on the Phase-1 discoveries was the primary objective of the programme.
The company is now moving towards the next stage of exploration, with a major 2D seismic acquisition programme expected to be awarded shortly. The survey will provide the first detailed picture of the subsurface architecture beneath the Lochiel and Crystal target areas and is intended to help define future drilling locations.
Thor is fully funded for the seismic programme and believes the integration of seismic data, geological modelling and surface geochemistry will provide a robust framework for identifying high-confidence drill targets.
With natural hydrogen emerging as a potentially significant clean energy resource globally, the HY-Range Project continues to position Thor at the forefront of exploration in a rapidly developing sector. The company believes the latest results represent another important step towards advancing the project towards its first exploration drilling campaign.
