Thor Energy Records Up to 3% Natural Hydrogen in Phase-2 Survey at HY-Range Project
Thor Energy has reported preliminary results from its Phase-2 soil air geochemistry survey at the HY-Range natural hydrogen project in South Australia, recording natural hydrogen concentrations of up to 3% (30,000 ppm) and successfully validating several of the project's highest-priority exploration areas.
The survey was designed to follow up on the company's Phase-1 program completed in 2025, which identified elevated hydrogen anomalies across the licence area. Phase-2 returned significantly stronger readings, including multiple locations containing hydrogen concentrations hundreds to thousands of times above atmospheric background levels, with a peak value of 3%.
Thor stated that the survey focused on validating previously identified target areas at Mallala, Lochiel, and Crystal. According to the company, all three focus areas returned repeat anomalous results, strengthening confidence that the observed hydrogen signatures are persistent rather than isolated measurements.
A key aspect of the program was the refinement of sampling techniques. The company tested different sampling depths, durations, materials, and control procedures to reduce the possibility of contamination or false positives. Thor believes these improvements have significantly increased confidence in the reliability of the dataset and the presence of active natural hydrogen generation within the project area.
The company also reported a strong correlation between elevated surface hydrogen readings and interpreted basement structures, fault systems, and fluid migration pathways that form part of its geological model for natural hydrogen accumulation. These structural features are considered important components of potential commercial hydrogen systems.
Looking ahead, Thor expects to announce the award of a major 2D seismic acquisition program across the licence area. The seismic survey is intended to provide the first detailed view of the subsurface architecture beneath the company's highest-priority focus areas and will be used alongside geochemical data to define future drilling targets. Thor stated that the seismic work is fully funded and represents the next major step toward drill-ready prospects.
Full press release can be found here.
