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38 min ago 2 min read
French helium exploration firm 45-8 Avant-Monts, a subsidiary of 45-8 Energy, has reported “helium-rich” gas flows from its first exploratory well in Doubs, France.
The Muschelkalk and Buntsandstein geological formations recorded helium flow rates of up to 330,000 Nm3/day and 334,000 Nm3/day, respectively, exceeding pre-drill expectations based on historical data.
La Veze 1B well drilling operations reached depths between 258 and 322 meters in the Muschelkalk formation, and 422 – 474 meters in the Buntsandstein, with helium concentrations of 0.31% and 0.15%.
45-8 Energy plans to expand drilling efforts across the wider license area, citing indications of potential for industrial-scale development.
The findings come as Europe seeks to strengthen long-term strategic helium supply, at a time when the region relies on imports for nearly all of its demand.
45-8 Avant-Monts conducted multiple geological and geophysical campaigns in partnership with the French Geological Survey (BRGM) and the University of Franche-Comté (Chrono-Environnement), following the granting of the license in September 2022.
This builds on 45-8 Fonts-Bouillants’ , which confirmed helium and nitrogen-rich deep formations in Nievre, France. The estimated total potential is more than 70,000 Nm3/day with a helium concentration of 0.31% to 0.35%
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