HyTerra Advances McCoy-1 Testing Program and Prepares Next Kansas Hydrogen Well
HyTerra has provided an operational update outlining the next phase of activity at its Nemaha Project in Kansas, with production testing scheduled for the McCoy-1 well and preparations underway for future drilling across its larger Midcontinent Rift acreage.
The company's immediate focus is the upcoming production test at McCoy-1, where two separate zones will be evaluated to determine steady-state flow rates and gas compositions for both natural hydrogen and helium. Equipment has already been ordered and is expected to be mobilized to site during June, with testing planned to commence during the week of 13 July 2026.
McCoy-1 is currently HyTerra's deepest drilled well, reaching approximately 1,695 metres and penetrating more than 1,260 metres of Precambrian basement rock. During previous clean-up operations, the company observed flowing gas intervals and elevated hydrogen and helium shows, prompting the decision to move into formal production testing.
The test program will include gas sampling, pressure monitoring, formation fluid recovery, and water quality analysis. The University of Colorado Boulder will also collect samples as part of ongoing research into natural hydrogen systems. HyTerra believes the results will represent an important milestone in determining the commercial potential of the Nemaha Ridge play.
While hydrogen remains the primary target, the company highlighted helium as a potentially valuable secondary product. Previous gas samples from McCoy-1 and the nearby Sue Duroche-3 well contained helium concentrations of up to 5%, which could provide an additional revenue stream if commercial recoverability is demonstrated.
Beyond the Ridge Play, HyTerra noted that more than 80% of its leased acreage lies within the Midcontinent Rift Play, where the company is evaluating new drilling opportunities. Discussions with landowners are underway to identify a suitable location for a new Rift Play well, with drilling targeted for 2026, subject to funding.
The company is also continuing laboratory work with the University of Colorado Boulder to better understand hydrogen generation from Midcontinent Rift rocks. Early testing has demonstrated hydrogen generation under controlled laboratory conditions, helping refine HyTerra's exploration framework and support both natural and engineered hydrogen opportunities.
Full press release can be found here.
