Prominence Energy begins field exploration at Gawler Project, using soil gas surveys to identify helium and hydrogen potential resources in South Australia.
Prominence Energy Ltd has officially initiated its first field-based exploration activities at the Gawler Hydrogen and Helium Project located in South Australia. This marks a significant advancement in the company’s efforts to explore and develop its extensive portfolio within the region. The newly launched program focuses on conducting a detailed soil gas survey within Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 803, which is part of the broader Eyre Project area.
The primary objective of this survey is to measure the concentrations of helium, hydrogen, and methane gases in the soil. By analyzing these gases, the company aims to detect the presence of active subsurface gas systems that may indicate viable resource accumulations. This step represents an important milestone for Prominence Energy as it transitions from early-stage planning into active on-ground exploration across its approximately 64,000 square kilometre Gawler Project holdings.
The Gawler Craton is widely regarded as a highly promising geological region for both helium and natural hydrogen exploration. This is largely due to its unique geological composition, which includes ancient radiogenic granites, iron-rich rock formations, and deeply rooted crustal structures. These characteristics create favorable conditions for the natural generation of helium and hydrogen through processes such as radiolysis and water–rock chemical reactions. Furthermore, the presence of major structural corridors within the region provides potential pathways for these gases to migrate and accumulate.
The initial soil gas survey has been designed as a cost-effective and efficient method for screening large exploration areas. It will generate detailed geochemical data that can help identify priority zones for further investigation. The data collected during this phase will be integrated with existing structural interpretations and geophysical models. This combined analysis will support decision-making for subsequent exploration stages, including seismic surveys and drilling programs.
To carry out the survey, Prominence Energy is employing a combination of traditional manual sampling techniques alongside modern autonomous monitoring technologies. This dual approach allows the company to capture both spatial variations and temporal changes in gas concentrations, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the dataset. The fieldwork is expected to continue over the next several weeks, after which the findings will be analyzed and used to guide the next phase of exploration activities.
Prominence Energy remains committed to progressing its portfolio of helium and hydrogen opportunities within the Gawler Craton. By advancing exploration in this highly prospective region, the company aims to position itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving global energy sector, particularly in the emerging markets for clean and alternative energy resources.
Commenting on the development, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Krista Davies highlighted that the commencement of this field program represents a major and exciting step forward for the company. She emphasized that the initiative signifies a transition from conceptual planning to practical execution, as Prominence begins a systematic evaluation of what is considered one of the world’s most promising regions for helium and natural hydrogen exploration.
