Helium One has made a significant breakthrough in Tanzania, uncovering an estimated 98.9 billion cubic feet (bcf) of helium reserves, positioning the country as a future player in the helium market. This discovery comes as global helium supplies continue to decline, affecting industries ranging from healthcare to aerospace. With helium essential for applications in medical imaging, electronics, and space technology, Tanzania’s reserves offer an important lifeline amid a worldwide shortage.
The high helium concentrations were detected at the Rukwa Rift Basin, where Helium One encountered helium levels reaching 4.7%, an unprecedented concentration that is thousands of times higher than background levels. This high concentration signals not only the vast scale of Tanzania’s helium potential but also the potential commercial viability of the find, given that helium typically occurs at much lower concentrations in nature
As the company progresses through drilling phases at its ITW-1 well, the findings have also highlighted hydrogen presence. Lorna Blaisse, CEO of Helium One Global, noted the significance of both helium and hydrogen discoveries, affirming the project’s potential to boost Tanzania’s role in critical gas supplies. Helium One is now preparing for well infrastructure work, including slotted casing installation and testing across two drilling zones, to support eventual production
The Tanzanian government has shown support for Helium One’s exploration, seeing this as part of a broader commitment to tapping critical minerals for the country’s economic transformation. The Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, recently emphasized that such mineral resources could also bolster clean energy initiatives across Africa
This discovery not only enhances Tanzania’s global standing in the helium industry but also provides significant economic opportunities that could attract further foreign investment into the country’s mining sector.
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