Helium One Global Ltd has received environmental approval for a planned exploration drilling programme at its wholly owned Rukwa project in Tanzania.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate was signed on the 4 May giving the company all necessary permits to start drilling in early June 2021.
Chief executive David Minchin said that the award demonstrated the Tanzanian government’s support for the company’s exploration in Rukwa.
“Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is promoting itself as a pro-business jurisdiction seeking external investment.
“President Hassan has publicly declared her support for helium extraction in Tanzania and is working to reduce delays in the development process.”
He added that Helium One continued to work with the government, regional officials, and district and village government councils.
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Helium One’s subsidiary companies include Gogota (Tz) Ltd, Stahamili (Tz) Ltd and Njozi (Tz) Ltd.
The group has secured 18 prospecting licences covering more than 4,512 km² in three distinct project areas of Rukwa, Balangida and Eyasi. These are located near surface seeps with helium concentrations ranging up to 10.5% He by volume.
At the Rukwa project, located within the Rukwa Rift Basin covering 3,448km2 in southwest Tanzania, the company has identified four prospects and 21 leads based on historical drilling, reprocessed seismic lines, high resolution gravity survey and surface seep analyses.
SRK Consulting have reported a best estimate un-risked prospective resource of 138 bcf (2U/P50) for Rukwa.