Rift Helium Nears Environmental Approval and Prepares for 3D Seismic Survey at Tanzania’s Upepo Project

Environmental Clearance Nears Finalisation Following Positive Regulatory Reviews in Tanzania

Rift Helium’s Environmental Impact Assessment has made substantial progress, entering the final approval stages. In July 2026, the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) conducted a formal site verification visit to the Rukwa licence area, attended by Rift’s operational team, allowing regulators to directly assess the licence and the proposed 3D seismic plans in situ.

Following this, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) completed its scheduled review in July 2026 with a successful outcome. Rift now awaits formal TAC feedback to incorporate into the final EIA report before submission to NEMC for certification. The company expects the entire EIA process to conclude in Q3 2026. Receipt of the EIA certificate will trigger mobilisation and the start of the 3D seismic acquisition campaign.

Favourable Rukwa Basin Geography and Dry-Season Conditions Support Seismic Acquisition

During a July 2026 visit to the Rukwa and Mbeya regions, Rift’s Chief Operating Officer evaluated conditions across the planned seismic survey area. The dry-season weather is conducive to mobilisation and data acquisition, aligning with the company’s operational timeline.

Additionally, the receding margin of Lake Rukwa has increased the terrestrial area available for seismic sensor deployment, enhancing survey coverage. The field team’s direct assessment provides management with confidence in the survey area's layout, offering operational advantages once mobilisation begins post-EIA certification.

Supplier Engagement and Absence of Long-Lead Items Enable Q3 2026 Mobilisation

Rift’s operational readiness extends to logistics and service supply chains critical for the 3D seismic campaign. In July, the COO engaged with prospective suppliers covering logistics, civil works, transportation, camp services, medical support, security, community liaison, and insurance.

No significant long-lead items have been identified that could delay mobilisation. Suppliers have confirmed readiness to proceed upon mobilisation notice, with contracting and deployment planned after EIA certification. This proactive supplier engagement reduces risks and supports a seamless transition from regulatory approval to field operations.

Ongoing Community and Government Relations Strengthen Operational Foundations

Rift’s July engagement programme included meetings with regional and ward authorities in Rukwa and Mbeya, as well as national discussions in Dar es Salaam. This comprehensive approach reflects the company’s commitment to securing social licence alongside regulatory approvals.

Engagement with local authorities, who influence land access and community support, is integral to Rift’s operational strategy. By advancing these relationships during the EIA approval phase, Rift is positioned to move swiftly into 3D seismic acquisition, minimizing delays and demonstrating respect for local stakeholders.

Capital Deployment Strategy Focuses on Seismic Data Prior to Exploration Drilling

Rift Helium follows a disciplined, probability-driven exploration approach, prioritising high-resolution 3D seismic data acquisition to identify and rank structural closures with the highest helium potential. This strategy aims to reduce subsurface uncertainty, enhance drilling decision quality, and ensure efficient use of shareholder capital.

Leveraging geological data and learnings from the proven Rukwa Basin helium system and nearby discoveries, Rift plans to use seismic data to select optimal targets for a two-well exploration drilling campaign. Funding is secured for both the seismic survey and drilling programme, providing clear capital visibility.

Prospective Resource Estimates Support Targeted Exploration in Proven Helium Basin

Independent CPR assessments underpin Rift’s exploration targets, estimating a P50 prospective helium resource of approximately 19 Bcf and a mean estimate near 41 Bcf across its 283 km² licence area. These figures represent potential volumes subject to successful exploration and commercial viability.

The Rukwa Basin is a proven primary helium province with confirmed discoveries adjacent to Rift’s acreage, reducing exploration risk. The company’s seismic-led approach aligns with basin maturity, combining geological knowledge with targeted subsurface evaluation.

Fully Funded Work Programme and Clear Milestone Timeline Through 2027

Rift Helium is fully financed for its 3D seismic survey and two-well exploration drilling campaign, eliminating near-term financing risks and providing shareholder confidence. The company’s April 2026 AIM listing supplied the capital base for this operational programme.

Key milestones include EIA completion in Q3 2026, followed by seismic acquisition commencing the same quarter upon certification. Data processing and interpretation will support an updated independent resource assessment in Q1 2027. The first exploration well is scheduled for H1 2027, offering shareholders regular progress updates throughout the exploration cycle.

CEO Affirms Confidence in Investment Thesis and Upcoming Operational Steps

Charles FitzRoy, CEO of Rift Helium, highlighted progress since the April IPO, noting the EIA nearing completion, ongoing field and supplier preparations, and favourable site conditions for seismic acquisition. He reaffirmed the company’s substantial licence position in a proven helium basin adjacent to confirmed discoveries, supported by an independent CPR.

FitzRoy emphasized the company’s strategy of acquiring high-quality 3D seismic data before drilling to improve decision-making and capital efficiency. He confirmed full funding for the seismic programme and exploration wells, with preparations underway for seismic acquisition post-EIA certification. The resulting data will refine prospect rankings and support the updated resource assessment targeted for Q1 2027, guiding the first exploration well planned for H1 2027. FitzRoy pledged to keep shareholders informed as milestones are achieved.

Upcoming Investor Milestones and Resource Update Expected Early 2027

Investors should watch for the EIA certificate issuance from NEMC, expected in Q3 2026, which will trigger mobilisation. Rift plans to initiate 3D seismic data collection promptly thereafter, subject to weather and field conditions. The seismic data quality and interpretation will be critical for identifying drilling targets and advancing the two-well exploration campaign.

Following seismic acquisition and processing, Rift will deliver an updated independent resource assessment in Q1 2027, incorporating new data to refine prospective resource estimates and prioritise exploration targets. This assessment will inform the selection of the first well location, with drilling slated for H1 2027. Shareholders can anticipate regular updates as key milestones are reached, with the Q1 2027 resource assessment marking a significant step between environmental approval and drilling commencement.