HyTerra’s Nemaha Drilling Begins Amid Uncertain Commercial Viability at Geneva Project
HyTerra Ltd has commenced drilling at its flagship Nemaha Project in Kansas and reported promising hydrogen and helium gas compositions from its Geneva Project in Nebraska, underscoring its leadership in natural hydrogen exploration in the US.
- Drilling initiated at Nemaha Project with back-to-back wells targeting historic hydrogen-helium zones
- Completion of a 10,000-line km aerial gravity and magnetic survey enhancing geological insights
- Geneva Project gas samples show up to 44% hydrogen and 12.8% helium concentrations
- Appointment of Dr Josh Whitcombe as Vice President Development and Operations
- Strong cash position of A$19.1 million supports ongoing exploration and development
HyTerra Advances Natural Hydrogen Exploration in the US
HyTerra Ltd (ASX: HYT), the first ASX-listed company dedicated to exploring natural or "white" hydrogen and helium, has made significant strides in its US projects during the quarter ended 31 March 2025. The company has transitioned from planning to active execution, notably commencing drilling operations at its Nemaha Project in Kansas and reporting encouraging gas composition results from its Geneva Project in Nebraska.
Nemaha Project: Drilling and Geophysical Survey Milestones
The Nemaha Project, wholly owned and operated by HyTerra, is situated in a region with historic hydrogen and helium occurrences. Drilling began over the Easter weekend at the Sue Duroche 3 well, located near a 2009 well that previously recorded up to 92% hydrogen. This well, alongside the Blythe 13-20 well, is part of a 12-month comprehensive exploration campaign designed to unlock the potential of natural hydrogen in Kansas.
Supporting this drilling program, HyTerra completed a large-scale aerial gravity and magnetic survey covering approximately 10,000-line kilometres. Conducted by New Resolution Geophysics, the survey has already provided key geological insights that will guide future drilling locations. Additionally, a seismic survey planning agreement with Paragon Geophysical Services Inc is underway to further refine subsurface understanding.
Geneva Project: Promising Gas Composition Data
At the Geneva Project in Nebraska, where HyTerra holds a 16% earn-in interest through a Joint Development Agreement with Natural Hydrogen Energy LLC, gas samples from the Hoarty NE3 well have revealed hydrogen concentrations up to 44% and helium up to 12.8%. These samples, analyzed by Isotech Laboratories, indicate a gas mixture predominantly composed of nitrogen with minor methane and negligible CO2 and oxygen. While these results are promising, further appraisal and testing are required to assess commercial viability.
Leadership and Financial Position
HyTerra strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Dr Josh Whitcombe as Vice President Development and Operations. Dr Whitcombe brings extensive experience in early-stage exploration and appraisal, having previously served as COO of Gold Hydrogen and held executive roles in gas exploration companies. His expertise is expected to be pivotal in advancing the Nemaha drilling program.
Financially, HyTerra ended the quarter with a robust cash balance of A$19.1 million, supporting exploration expenditure of A$867,000 during the period. The company also expanded its lease holdings to over 72,000 contiguous acres, enhancing its strategic position in key hydrogen and helium prospectivity zones.
Outlook
Looking ahead, HyTerra plans to continue drilling and seismic activities at Nemaha, analyze incoming data to refine exploration targets, and evaluate the commercial potential of its discoveries. The company’s focus on natural hydrogen aligns with growing global interest in low-carbon energy sources, positioning it as a notable player in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Bottom Line?
HyTerra’s active drilling and robust survey data set the stage for pivotal results that could reshape natural hydrogen exploration in the US.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling at Nemaha confirm commercially viable hydrogen and helium reserves?
- How will the company leverage its expanded lease acreage to accelerate exploration?
- What are the next steps for advancing the Geneva Project given the current gas composition data?
