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Highlights
- D3 Energy (D3E) acquires new exploration permits in South Australia
- Early-stage prospects Hydrohelix and Cootanoorina identified
- Asset base diversified beyond South Africa's helium project
D3 Energy (ASX:D3E) has announced the acquisition of two promising helium and hydrogen exploration permits in the Arckaringa Basin, South Australia. This development broadens the company’s global portfolio and opens a new chapter in its clean energy ambitions.
Covering a vast expanse of approximately 80,000 square kilometres, the Arckaringa Basin is still considered one of the least explored regions in South Australia's emerging helium and hydrogen belt. The newly acquired Petroleum Exploration Licences (PEL 121 and PEL 122), secured through the purchase of Unleash Energy Pty Ltd, span 5,865 square kilometres and are strategically positioned near Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta—areas supported by favourable infrastructure and regulatory settings.
This expansion comes as a complement to D3 Energy’s flagship helium project in South Africa’s Free State province, enhancing its positioning as a multi-jurisdictional explorer in the global energy transition space.
Geological parallels with the nearby Amadeus Basin strengthen the prospectivity of the region. Notably, wells drilled in the Amadeus—Mt Kitty-1 and Magee-1—have revealed significant concentrations of helium and hydrogen, which bolsters confidence in the geological potential of the Arckaringa acreage. Key technical indicators, such as sub-surface salt structures capable of trapping gas accumulations, add to the exploration promise.
Technical studies have already outlined two early-stage targets—Hydrohelix and Cootanoorina. The Hydrohelix structure, covering 148 square kilometres within PEL 121, is considered drill-ready and displays structural traits akin to Mt Kitty-1, where helium reached up to 9% and hydrogen 11.5%. Independent resource certification and a process to bring in a joint venture partner are currently underway, aiming to leverage external funding for exploration work.
The company has also mapped out nine additional leads within PEL 121, setting the stage for future exploration campaigns. Despite the focus on new Australian assets, D3 Energy continues to prioritise progress at its South African project, where preparations for a Production Right application are advancing ahead of schedule.
While D3 Energy (D3E) is not currently part of the ASX200, its strategic initiatives and multi-regional growth may support future inclusion as it scales operations in the clean energy domain.
This move marks a strategic shift toward diversifying exploration jurisdictions and reinforces the growing relevance of helium and hydrogen as critical components in the evolving global energy landscape.
