- D3 Energy secured five new Technical Cooperation Permits covering about 47,000 acres in South Africa’s Free State Province.
- The company will use low-cost geological and geophysical studies to pursue full Exploration Rights across the new acreage.
D3 Energy has secured five new Technical Cooperation Permits in South Africa’s Free State Province, adding about 47,000 acres of prospective helium and methane acreage to its portfolio.
The new permits cover TCP280, TCP281, TCP282, TCP283 and TCP284. Importantly, the areas sit next to D3 Energy’s existing exploration and application areas and follow structural trends linked to its existing discoveries.
The expansion builds on appraisal work at ER315. Previous shallow boreholes at the project recovered helium concentrations of up to 6.2% at sustained flow rates.
D3 Energy Targets Further Exploration
Each permit carries a one-year term. Initially, D3 Energy will conduct desktop geological and geophysical studies across the newly acquired areas.
The company expects to apply for full Exploration Rights after completing the studies. If successful, the applications could expand D3 Energy’s contingent and prospective helium and methane resource inventory.
D3 Energy previously followed a similar pathway at ER386. The company progressed from a Technical Cooperation Permit to an Exploration Right and later secured independent certification for a maiden contingent and prospective resource.
New Permits Strengthen Free State Position
D3 Energy managing director and CEO David Casey said the new permits strengthen the company’s position in the Free State helium province.
“These new permits, which are contiguous to our existing acreage, shore up and strengthen our already dominant acreage footprint.”
Casey said the expansion supports D3 Energy’s strategy of securing helium and natural gas acreage along proven structural zones.
Meanwhile, the company continues to develop its existing South African assets. These include ER315, PR016 and ER386, which contain certified reserves as well as contingent and prospective resources.
Company Expands Critical-Gases Portfolio
D3 Energy has also expanded its operations beyond South Africa. In Australia, the company acquired helium and hydrogen permits in the Arckaringa Basin.
The Australian expansion broadens D3 Energy’s critical-gases portfolio. At the same time, the company continues to focus on advancing ER315 towards development.
The new Free State permits therefore provide D3 Energy with additional exploration acreage while allowing the company to use a relatively low-cost initial assessment process.