Thor Energy awards major seismic contract to accelerate hydrogen exploration at HY-Range project
Thor Energy PLC has taken a significant step forward in advancing its hydrogen exploration strategy after awarding a major 2D seismic acquisition contract for its HY-Range Project in South Australia, strengthening its efforts to unlock natural hydrogen and helium potential within the region.
The AIM and ASX-listed company confirmed that it has signed a Letter of Award with Australian seismic specialist Velseis Pty Ltd. following a comprehensive tender process. The programme will deliver approximately 464 line-kilometres of onshore 2D seismic data across Thor Energy’s 80.2%-owned HY-Range Project, located within Regulated Substance Exploration Licence RSEL 802.
Acquisition is expected to take place between Q3 and Q4 2026 and will focus on the highly prospective Torrens Hinge Zone, a geologically complex corridor characterised by Neoproterozoic low-grade metasediments overlying crystalline basement rocks. The area is considered a key target for natural hydrogen and helium generation and migration systems.
The seismic programme is designed to significantly enhance subsurface imaging and will be integrated with Thor Energy’s existing geological datasets, including gravity, magnetic and passive survey data, as well as recent Phase-2 geochemistry results that recorded natural hydrogen concentrations of up to 3%. By combining these datasets, the company aims to build a high-resolution model of the subsurface architecture and improve its understanding of hydrogen-generating systems.
According to Thor Energy, the programme represents a critical step in its pre-drill exploration strategy. The seismic data is expected to provide depth control, improve understanding of basement rock structures, and identify fault systems that may act as migration pathways or trapping mechanisms for natural hydrogen and helium accumulations.
The company also confirmed that the programme is fully funded following recent non-core asset divestments, with sufficient capital in place to complete the survey from existing cash reserves. Further updates on scheduling and permitting are expected once final contractual and regulatory approvals have been completed.
Managing Director Andrew Hume said the award of the seismic contract marks a key milestone for the HY-Range Project and reflects Thor Energy’s integrated approach to exploration. He highlighted that the programme will help connect surface geochemistry results with deeper geological structures, enabling a more complete understanding of the system.
He added that the integration of seismic data with existing geological models will be instrumental in refining future drill targets and advancing the project towards potential exploration drilling. The company believes this approach positions HY-Range at the forefront of emerging natural hydrogen exploration activity in Australia.
Thor Energy continues to pursue a play-based exploration strategy that combines traditional mineral exploration techniques with hydrocarbon-style methods. By deploying advanced geophysical tools alongside geochemical analysis, the company aims to improve exploration success rates and accelerate the development of its hydrogen and helium portfolio.
The HY-Range Project is increasingly viewed as a key asset in Thor Energy’s clean energy exploration strategy, with the latest seismic programme expected to play a pivotal role in shaping its next phase of development.
