Rift Helium (RIFT ) has received an environmental impact assessment certificate covering its planned 3D seismic programme and the drilling of up to three exploration wells at the Upepo project in Tanzania.
Preparatory work for the 3D seismic programme is now underway, with the survey itself likely to commence later this year.
The 3D work will and rank priority drilling targets ahead of the planned exploration campaign in the first half of 2027.
Rift holds prospecting licences covering 283 square kilometres in Tanzania’s proven Rukwa Basin, adjacent to confirmed helium discoveries, and is targeting primary helium independent of hydrocarbon production.
“Securing an EIA that covers both our 3D seismic programme and up to three exploration wells is a particularly important milestone for Rift,” said Charles FitzRoy, chief executive of Rift Helium.
“It means the environmental assessment now covers the two principal stages of the exploration programme we set out at IPO: first, acquiring the data to identify the best drilling targets; and second, testing those targets through drilling. The Rift investment case remains straightforward. We are targeting primary helium rather than a hydrocarbon by-product across 283 square kilometres in Tanzania’s proven Rukwa Basin, adjacent to confirmed helium discoveries. Helium is critical to some of the world’s most advanced industries, from semiconductors and MRI to aerospace and emerging quantum technologies, while global supply remains concentrated and largely linked to hydrocarbon production. Successful exploration at Upepo has the potential to establish a new, strategically located source of primary helium from Tanzania.”
The Upepo Project combines a 283 km² strategic licence position adjacent to confirmed helium discoveries; a proven helium system; a funded, data-led 3D seismic programme designed to reduce uncertainty before capital is committed to wells; and a clear sequence of operational catalysts through 2026 and 2027. In the event of exploration success, Rift’s objective is to progress towards commercial production and establish a new source of primary helium from Tanzania with strategic relevance to high-value international markets, including Asia.
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Good progress from Rift, which can now move on towards the real business of value creation. There’s a lot on offer, given the Upepo project is so large, and in such a prospective area. Funding is already in place, so the company is looking well positioned to power ahead. In the event of exploration success, Rift’s objective is to progress towards commercial production and establish a new source of primary helium from Tanzania with strategic relevance to high-value international markets, including Asia.