Thor Energy plc, a dual-listed exploration company focused on natural hydrogen and helium, has announced the successful completion of its geochemical soil air survey at the HY-Range project (RSEL 802) in South Australia. This marks a significant milestone in the company's broader strategy to identify and evaluate naturally occurring hydrogen and helium resources across its license portfolio.

The survey began in early May 2025 and was completed on schedule and within budget. Originally designed to sample 94 sites, the program was expanded to include 103 sample locations. The additional sampling points were selected to follow up on early survey insights and to further investigate areas of interest adjacent to initial targets. Soil gas samples were collected from shallow subsurface holes across the tenement, providing a high-resolution dataset for subsequent analysis.

Andrew Hume, managing director of Thor Energy, highlighted the operational success and strategic value of the work.

“We are delighted to confirm the efficient and safe completion of our HY-Range geochemical survey,” Hume said. “The ability to adjust our sampling in real time, collect more data than initially planned and test an innovative gas chromatograph system in the field has been a strong validation of our exploration methodology. These advances are instrumental in refining our understanding of the project’s potential.”

A key component of the survey was the deployment of a mobile gas chromatograph. This advanced field tool enabled immediate, lab-grade measurements of gas concentrations directly at the sample sites. It also minimized contamination risks and facilitated rapid decision-making during fieldwork. The chromatograph was operated by technical teams from SGS Australia Pty Ltd and CSI Australia, whose flexibility and innovation were integral to the project's success.

Thor Energy noted that the survey had two primary objectives: first, to systematically assess the presence, distribution and concentration of natural hydrogen and helium in the soil air across the RSEL 802 license area; and second, to test and refine mobile gas analysis methodologies as part of the company’s broader research and development goals.

With sample collection now complete, the company is proceeding with detailed analysis and interpretation. Results are expected to be released in June 2025. These findings will help identify zones of active gas generation and migration, guide the prioritization of future targets, and support the planning of follow-up exploration activities, including potential drilling programs.

“We are very encouraged by what this survey may reveal,” Hume added. “It lays the groundwork for unlocking value from the HY-Range project and supports our ambition to become a leader in natural hydrogen and helium exploration.”

Thor Energy will continue to provide updates as data is analyzed and additional exploration plans are finalized.