Helium boost ahead of key tests

Dear Gold Hydrogen supporter,

I expect today’s announcement to the ASX is what many of you have been waiting for – confirmation that our flow testing program for hydrogen and helium at our South Australian project is near.

What may have been more of a surprise was the announcement’s focus on helium potential as much as our hydrogen program.

The Ramsay project at sunset

There’s a simple reason for that – circumstances have played into our hands with the Iran conflict crimping helium supplies, and our duty to shareholders to start making returns as quickly as possible.

With prices doubling right now, and the proven commercial path to produce helium already existing worldwide, it makes sense to fast-track a helium development.

That’s why we have enlisted Worley to assess early development pathways, particularly bearing in mind Australia produces no helium itself. Our near-record 36.9% purity in early drilling makes us highly optimistic.

As I said on the world’s leading natural hydrogen podcast this week: ‘‘We would like to be in helium production in 20-24 months’ time.’’

That’s not because we believe in the helium potential any more than our hydrogen, but because there is urgent need, and it should be easier and quicker to produce. Helium revenue would underpin our hydrogen plans.

I urge you to have a read of today’s ASX release. Flow testing is pencilled in to start in June, and new results have materially upgraded the next test program.

It’s no secret that hydrogen explorers worldwide are finding helium potential in a lot of these plays. The latest to recognise that is the influential hydrogen investor tracking company natH2investing.com.

I feature on their latest podcast, and their founder Morten Stahl has this to say about the helium potential: ‘‘We usually talk about hydrogen, but today it’s all about helium.

‘‘I want to stress the fact that I very often envy with helium, looking at natural hydrogen, that the commercial path is easier. It’s extraordinarily interesting from an early commercial potential (perspective).’’

For a deep dive into the subject, the podcast is here.

A massive amount of work is going into making sure we maximise these tests and deliver for shareholders as quickly as possible.

All the best,

Neil McDonald

Managing Director, Gold Hydrogen