Thor Energy has awarded a significant 2D seismic survey contract to Velseis for its HY-Range Project, aiming to refine exploration targets for natural hydrogen and helium in South Australia.
- 464 line-kilometres 2D seismic survey planned for Q3-Q4 2026
- Contract awarded to Australian seismic specialist Velseis
- Survey targets Torrens Hinge Zone’s hydrogen and helium generation
- Programme fully funded by prior asset divestments
- Data integration to finalise drill targets and exploration strategy
Major Seismic Survey Contract Signed for HY-Range
Thor Energy (ASX:THR) has taken a decisive step forward in its natural hydrogen and helium exploration ambitions by signing a Letter of Award with Velseis Pty Ltd for a 2D seismic acquisition programme at its 80.2%-owned HY-Range Project in South Australia. The survey will cover approximately 464 line-kilometres across the Torrens Hinge Zone, with data acquisition slated for the third and fourth quarters of 2026.
Velseis, a Queensland-based seismic contractor known for its integrated spatial survey technologies, will deliver a turnkey solution to map the subsurface architecture critical to hydrogen and helium generation and migration. This contract award marks a significant milestone in Thor’s play-based exploration approach, blending mineral and hydrocarbon techniques to mature exploration targets.
Targeting the Torrens Hinge Zone’s Hidden Potential
The Torrens Hinge Zone, characterised by Neoproterozoic low-grade metasediments overlaying felsic-to-ultrabasic crystalline basement rocks, is central to Thor’s exploration thesis. The seismic data will provide depth control and structural insights, illuminating the basement rocks believed to generate natural hydrogen and helium. It will also map pervasive faulting that controls gas migration, helping to confirm existing leads and identify new prospects for drilling.
Integrating this seismic dataset with Thor’s existing subsurface models, gravity, magnetic, and passive survey data, alongside recent Phase-2 geochemistry results that recorded natural hydrogen concentrations up to 3%, will create a comprehensive 3D view of the project’s working gas systems. This holistic dataset is designed to de-risk the project and sharpen drill targeting ahead of exploration campaigns.
Fully Funded Programme and Next Steps
Crucially, the seismic acquisition programme is fully funded from Thor’s existing cash reserves, bolstered by a series of non-core asset divestments completed over recent months. This financial position allows the company to pursue its exploration strategy without dilutive capital raises. Thor plans to finalise a full operational contract with Velseis in the coming weeks, pending regulatory and environmental approvals.
Managing Director Andrew Hume emphasised the strategic importance of the survey, highlighting how it fits Thor’s philosophy of combining mineral and hydrocarbon exploration techniques to unlock natural hydrogen and helium resources. He noted that the integrated data will be instrumental in finalising drill targets and advancing the clean energy sector.
Bottom Line?
Thor Energy’s seismic survey contract sets the stage for critical subsurface insights, but the timing of approvals and data interpretation will be pivotal in shaping upcoming drilling decisions.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the seismic data reshape existing geological models and exploration targets at HY-Range?
- What regulatory or environmental hurdles might delay the commencement of seismic acquisition?
- To what extent could the Phase-2 geochemistry results correlate with seismic findings to accelerate drilling plans?