In November 2013, two geologists were travelling through the Tanzanian Savannah on their way to a gold prospect. To pass time during the long drive, one of them flicked through a publication lying on the back seat of their Landcruiser, entitled ‘Industrial Minerals in Tanzania, An Investor’s Guide’.
To the geologists’ surprise, there were four pages dedicated to ‘Helium, and Other Natural Gases’. Detailed within were reports of seven Tanzanian locations with helium concentrations ranging between 4.4% and 18.2% by volume. The concentrations were so significant that they assumed an error, and that the decimal points were in the wrong location. Six of these reports dating back to 1957 were obtained – confirming all helium occurrences and their locations. So began the search for helium in Tanzania, and the formation of Helium One Limited.
Helium concentrations mentioned in the reports were measured from hot springs located within the East African Rift. Thermal heating of Precambrian basement rocks associated with this rift is understood to have released the helium built up over eons. Numerous such areas were identified, and licences were sought in locations with the necessary geology to host helium accumulations of economic significance. Three distinct onshore project areas that met these criteria were identified, referred to as Rukwa, Eyasi and Balangida – rift basins with significant helium concentrations and excellent reservoir properties. A total of 20 exclusive Prospecting Licences have since been granted, covering an area of approximately 4,500km².
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