Thor Energy Awards Major 2D Seismic Contract to Advance HY-Range Natural Hydrogen and Helium Project

Thor Energy has awarded a major 2D seismic acquisition contract for its HY-Range natural hydrogen and helium project in South Australia, marking a significant step toward defining drill targets across one of the company's most prospective exploration areas. The company has selected Australian seismic specialist Velseis Pty Ltd. to conduct approximately 464 line-kilometres of onshore 2D seismic surveying across the project area, with field acquisition expected between Q3 and Q4 2026. 

The survey will focus on priority targets within the Torrens Hinge Zone, a structurally complex region believed to host geological conditions favourable for natural hydrogen and helium generation and migration. Thor describes the area as containing Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks underlain by crystalline basement formations ranging from felsic to ultrabasic compositions. 

The new seismic program is designed to integrate with Thor's existing exploration datasets, including gravity surveys, magnetic data, passive seismic work, geological models, and recently reported Phase-2 geochemistry results that recorded natural hydrogen concentrations of up to 3% at surface. The objective is to build a comprehensive subsurface understanding of the HY-Range system before advancing to drilling. 

According to the company, the seismic data will provide critical information regarding the depth and geometry of basement rocks believed to generate hydrogen and helium, while also helping identify fault systems that may control gas migration pathways and potential trapping structures. The resulting dataset is expected to confirm existing leads, generate new prospects, and refine drill targets across the project area. 

Thor stated that the program is fully funded through existing cash reserves following a series of non-core asset divestments. The company expects to finalize a full operational contract with Velseis in the coming weeks while continuing environmental and regulatory permitting activities. 

Managing Director Andrew Hume described the program as part of Thor's strategy of combining exploration techniques traditionally used in both the mining and hydrocarbon industries. The company believes this integrated approach can improve exploration efficiency and accelerate the maturation of natural hydrogen and helium prospects toward drilling. 

Full press release can be found here.