22 Jun 2026 07:00
22 June 2026

Rift Helium plc
("Rift", "Rift Helium" or the "Company")
Post-IPO Operational Update and 12-Month Catalyst Schedule
Rift Helium plc (AIM: RIFT), the primary helium exploration company focused on the Upepo Project in Tanzania's proven Rukwa Basin, is pleased to provide an update on progress since its admission to AIM in April 2026, together with an outline of the Company's planned work programme and key expected catalysts for the next 12 months.
Since admission, Rift has moved straight from IPO funding into execution. The Company is advancing key regulatory, technical, operational and stakeholder workstreams required to progress its planned 3D seismic programme in 2026 and prepare for drilling in H1 2027.
The Company remains fully funded for its current exploration work programme following the £8.1 million raised at IPO and continues to focus on disciplined, capital-efficient exploration designed to rank and test the most attractive structural helium targets across the Upepo Project.
Charles FitzRoy, CEO of Rift Helium, commented:
"Since admission to AIM, our focus has been on moving quickly and methodically from funding into execution. The processes underway across permitting, seismic planning, technical evaluation, stakeholder engagement and drilling preparation are all part of a clear work programme designed to advance the Upepo Project towards drilling in H1 2027.
"Our objective is simple: to use the funding secured at IPO to progress a disciplined exploration programme in one of the world's proven primary helium basins. The next 12 months are expected to include several important catalysts for Rift, including completion of the EIA process, acquisition of 3D seismic, seismic interpretation, drill target selection and preparation for drilling.
"We believe Rift is well positioned, with a funded work programme, a clear technical strategy and exposure to a critical commodity where new sources of primary helium are increasingly important to global supply chains."
Operational workstreams underway
Since admission to AIM, Rift has advanced a number of parallel workstreams required to progress the Upepo Project towards 3D seismic acquisition and drilling. These include:
· progression of the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") process with the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) in Tanzania;
· continued engagement with relevant Tanzanian government ministries, regulators and regional stakeholders;
· planning and procurement for the proposed 3D seismic programme;
· technical review and analysis of existing leads and prospects across the licence area;
· preparation for seismic processing, interpretation and subsequent drill target selection;
· early-stage drilling preparation, including well planning, logistics and procurement workstreams;
· further development of Rift's technical and in-country operating capability; and
· continued engagement with local community partners as part of the Company's commitment to responsible project development.
Key expected catalysts over the next 12 months
The Company expects the next 12 months to include a number of important operational and technical milestones, including:
· completion of the EIA and related regulatory approvals process;
· award of the seismic acquisition contract;
· mobilisation for the 3D seismic programme;
· acquisition of 3D seismic data over the priority area of the Upepo Project;
· processing and interpretation of the acquired seismic data;
· potential updated resource assessment following interpretation of the new 3D seismic data;
· refinement and ranking of drill targets;
· commencement of well planning and drilling procurement; and
· preparation for the Company's planned H1 2027 drilling campaign.
These workstreams are designed to move Rift from an IPO-funded exploration company into an active operator with a defined, ranked drilling inventory in Tanzania's proven Rukwa Basin.
For further information, please visit www.rifthelium.com or contact:
Rift Helium plc Charles FitzRoy, CEO & DirectorRussel Swarts, CFO & Director | c/o Celicourt +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 Rifthelium@celicourt.uk |
Strand Hanson (Financial & Nominated Adviser) Ritchie BalmerRob Patrick | +44 (0) 207 409 3494
|
SI Capital (Joint Broker) Nick Emerson | +44 (0) 1483 413 500 |
Zeus Capital (Joint Broker) Simon JohnsonJames Bavister | +44 (0) 20 3829 5000 |
Greenwood Capital (Equity Capital Markets Adviser) John PriorNick Orgill | info@greenwoodcp.co.uk |
Celicourt Communications (Financial Communications) Mark AntelmePhilip Dennis | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424Rifthelium@celicourt.uk |
About Rift Helium:
Rift Helium is building the primary helium supply the future demands. Rift's 283 km² of strategically positioned licences are located in Tanzania's Rukwa Basin, next to confirmed helium discoveries. The system is proven and we are targeting where helium accumulates.
Now funded and listed on AIM, Rift is preparing to acquire 3D seismic data this year and then utilise cost-efficient drilling techniques in 2027 to test these structures and target economically recoverable helium reservoirs, with a clear pathway toward commercial production.
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