Eyes on the prize short and longer term assets5 Jan 2026 10:13
WA’s oldest rocks could fuel the future—natural hydrogen and helium might just be the clean energy surprise lurking below your drill bit.
Compiled by AJ Mory and PW Haines, the Summaries of major Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic basins prospective for energy-related commodities, Western Australia document systematically summarises the energy-related potential of WA's Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic basins. Amidst its technical depth, one finding stands out: strong indications that Western Australia may be sitting on untapped reserves of natural hydrogen (H₂) and helium (He).
The Hydrogen and Helium Frontier
While conventional hydrocarbons remain the best-understood resources in these basins, the report reveals that natural hydrogen and helium showings have been recorded in several onshore formations—particularly in the Amadeus Basin and potentially in its geological cousin, the Murraba Basin.
In the Amadeus Basin, which spans central Australia but extends into WA near the border with the Northern Territory, the presence of helium is especially striking. The Magee 1 well recorded helium concentrations of 6.2%, while Jacko Bore 1 (previously known as Mt Kitty 1) yielded gas comprising 9% helium and an astonishing 11% hydrogen. These levels are well above industry thresholds for economic interest and hint at a world-class subsalt gas system sealed by ancient salt formations in the Gillen Formation.
What’s particularly significant about these gases is their origin. Unlike hydrocarbons formed from decayed organic matter, helium and natural hydrogen are generated geologically. Helium is often produced through the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium in basement rocks, then trapped by impermeable seals such as salt. Hydrogen, on the other hand, may be generated via the serpentinisation of ultramafic rocks or by water-rock reactions at depth.
Central Petroleum has identified basin thicknesses exceeding 2000 metres in some depocentres. Moreover, recent gravity and magnetics data suggest the presence of salt-related tectonics—an encouraging sign for subsalt helium systems.
Why Hasn’t This Been Explored Already?
Part of the answer lies in historical priorities and technological limitations. Until recently, exploration in WA has prioritised oil and gas, with only modest attention given to non-traditional commodities. The infrastructure and investment needed to explore remote onshore basins is substantial, and neither hydrogen nor helium had the commercial spotlight they now enjoy.
Additionally, historical gas analyses often ignored helium and hydrogen content. In many cases, these gases were flared or simply not measured. It is only in the last few years—spurred by tightening global helium supplies and the race for clean hydrogen—that explorers have started to reassess old wells with new analytical techniques.
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