Gold Hydrogen, a leading player in the quest for natural hydrogen exploration, has recently shared exciting news regarding its Ramsay Natural Hydrogen Project. In this article, we’ll delve into the significant concentrations of hydrogen and helium detected in the Ramsay 1 well, shedding light on a groundbreaking discovery that has the potential to reshape the energy landscape.
A Milestone Achievement
On October 28, 2023, Gold Hydrogen accomplished a remarkable feat by completing drilling operations on the Ramsay 1 well, marking Australia’s first dedicated natural hydrogen exploration well. The well reached a depth of 1005 meters, slightly drilling into the Precambrian basement. What’s impressive is that the project not only met its pre-drill time estimates but also stayed under budget, all without any Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) incidents.
The successful completion of drilling operations signifies a significant milestone, showcasing the competence of Gold Hydrogen and its dedicated drilling team in executing this pioneering endeavor.
Uncovering the Precious Fracture Zone
While drilling through the Parara limestone at 316 meters, a breakthrough moment occurred. The drilling team encountered a substantial connected fracture zone. The presence of such fracture systems is crucial for the migration of hydrogen from deep sources to shallower areas where it can potentially be harnessed. Identifying these fracture systems was one of the primary objectives of the Ramsay 1 well.
However, drilling was not without its challenges. Instances of drilling fluid losses during the drilling of the fractures hindered the monitoring and analysis of mud gas samples. Gold Hydrogen remains committed to obtaining more data on the gas composition within these fractures and faults, which is vital for the project’s success.
Confirming the Hydrogen Play
Initial gas sample results from Ramsay 1 have shown air-corrected hydrogen levels of up to 73.3%, with the highest concentration measured at 240 meters below ground level. These findings echo measurements taken during the historic Ramsay Oil Bore 1 drilling in 1931, which recorded an air-corrected hydrogen level of 76% at a similar depth. Multiple samples also exhibited elevated hydrogen contents, confirming the presence of a hydrogen play in the Ramsay Natural Hydrogen project location.
Stratigraphy and Porosity
The geological composition encountered by Ramsay 1 aligns with pre-drill predictions. A substantial section of fractured Parara limestones overlays the dolomitic sequence of the Kulpara formation, with additional fracture and fault zones identified within the Kulpara formation. There are also indications of zones with vuggy porosity, further enhancing the project’s potential.
The Precambrian basement, covered by a weathered zone, revealed significant fracturing. Detailed analysis of the wireline logging data is required to evaluate the orientation and aperture of these fracture systems, along with the porosity and permeability generated by the weathering process. Understanding these factors is crucial for estimating the hydrogen and helium resource potential.
Helium – A Valuable Discovery
One of the most intriguing findings is the presence of helium in significant amounts. A sample recovered from 892 meters below ground level revealed an air-corrected helium content of up to 3.6%, with the remaining gas being nitrogen. Helium is a rare and valuable commodity with diverse applications in the medical industry, scientific research, space exploration, diving, and the energy sector. Its price significantly outpaces LNG, trading at up to 200 times higher.
Promising Outlook
While these results are preliminary, Gold Hydrogen remains optimistic about its ongoing work to uncover Australia’s first natural hydrogen field. Further analysis and testing of the Ramsay 2 well will provide more insights. The Company is even considering well testing to confirm the presence and viability of helium.
Expansion Plans
In light of these encouraging findings, Gold Hydrogen is planning to drill the Ramsay 2 well, situated close to Ramsay 1. The technical objectives for Ramsay 2 mirror those of Ramsay 1, and drilling is scheduled for November-December 2023.
Challenges and Opportunities
It’s crucial to acknowledge the geological and developmental risks associated with the Ramsay Project. These risks revolve around the presence, recovery, and potential volumes of hydrogen, as well as the project’s location in agricultural areas near National Parks. The Company anticipates working closely with various stakeholders, including government bodies, to overcome these challenges.
About Gold Hydrogen
Gold Hydrogen is dedicated to discovering and developing natural hydrogen gas in South Australia, a region with untapped natural hydrogen potential. The Company’s extensive natural hydrogen permit area spans approximately 75,332 square kilometers, with multiple exploration licenses and subsidiary companies focusing on natural hydrogen exploration.
In Conclusion
The preliminary results from the Ramsay 1 well bring us one step closer to unlocking the potential of natural hydrogen and helium in Australia. Gold Hydrogen’s dedication and pioneering spirit have opened new doors for the energy industry and beyond, making this a development worth keeping an eye on.