en.Wedoany.com Reported - Noble Helium Ltd (ASX:NHE, OTC:NBHEF) has recently optimized its helium drilling activities at Kinambo in Tanzania through 3D seismic reprocessing and gravity anomaly analysis, confirming two optimized and reliable well locations while reducing operational risks.
Based on the analysis results, the company adjusted the initial well location at Kinambo on the western flank of its wholly owned North Rukwa project. The rig is expected to mobilize in July 2026, with the Kinambo-1 well scheduled to spud in August 2026, and site preparation is underway.
The reprocessing of the Kinambo 3D seismic data volume improved imaging of deeper sections, particularly around the Nsungwe and Galula formations, which are key targets in this drilling campaign. Executive Chairman Dennis Donald stated that this work, conducted by experts in structurally complex environments, significantly improved previously unrefined deep imaging. The enhanced imaging of deep faults enables the company to optimize final well locations and reduce operational risks during drilling.
Due to the structural crest migrating northeastward with increasing depth, a single vertical well cannot fully test the Kinambo structure. The Kinambo-1 well, with a planned total depth of 850 meters, will target the shallower crest and help the drilling team familiarize themselves with the Schramm T130 XD rig operations. The Kinambo-2 well, planned approximately 400 meters to the northeast, will evaluate any gas intersections encountered in Kinambo-1, then target the deeper Galula formation to a total depth of approximately 1,750 meters. At Kinambo, the Galula formation directly overlies the basement and is expected to receive deep, helium-rich fluids and gases directly from the basement and Karoo source rocks.
The company noted that the deeper Nsungwe/Galula formations are the known regional seal and reservoir pair in the basin. Both Noble's updated North Rukwa charge model and a previous proprietary charge model from the University of Oxford indicate helium potential in the gas phase within these intervals, making them the focus of this campaign. The latest interpretation shows that the Galula structure is partially decoupled from the Nsungwe and rises toward a possible structural high in the northern part of the 3D seismic data volume. The company predicts that if Galula produces highly helium-rich fluids, independent deep gas reservoirs may exist along the strike. Previously identified seismic gas indicators, including flat spots and Class II AVO responses, now coincide with gravity gradient anomalies at Kinambo. Seismically constrained gravity inversion suggests that gas reservoirs at multiple depths are the most likely cause of the structural crest Gzz "void."
Noble expects helium and nitrogen to be the key gases at depth, increasing its interest in drilling into the Nsungwe and Galula formations. Carbon dioxide potential increases in shallower intervals. The company noted that while CO2 may dilute helium content, it is a proven gas generation mechanism in several commercial helium projects globally, and there is an established commercial CO2 market in Tanzania and East Africa.
Noble is preparing the revised Kinambo-1 site, with the rig expected to mobilize in July 2026. The first well is scheduled to spud in August 2026, targeting the shallow crest; the Kinambo-2 well aims to follow up on any gas intersections and test deeper parts of the structure. Drilling results from both wells will be used to evaluate helium potential at multiple depths at Kinambo and guide the company's next exploration steps in North Rukwa.
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