Constellation Reports TOC Averages Above 2% in Large-Scale Hydrogen Project
Constellation Resources has revealed compelling seismic and geochemical evidence indicating large-scale natural hydrogen potential in its Edmund-Collier project in Western Australia. The findings highlight promising organic-rich formations and fault structures that could underpin future hydrogen exploration.
- Reprocessed seismic data shows extensive organic-rich Blue Billy and Discovery Formations
- Total Organic Carbon (TOC) results average above 2%, signaling strong hydrogen generation potential
- Deep regional faults identified as prime targets for surface soil gas sampling
- Encouraging porosity measurements suggest viable reservoir quality
- Plans underway for soil gas surveys and regulatory progress on exploration permits
A New Frontier in Natural Hydrogen Exploration
Constellation Resources Limited has announced significant progress in its Edmund-Collier Natural Hydrogen Project, located in the underexplored basins of Western Australia's Gascoyne Province. By reprocessing a historical seismic line originally acquired by Geoscience Australia, the company has enhanced the geological resolution of the subsurface, revealing promising organic-rich formations that could generate natural hydrogen on a large scale.
The seismic interpretation highlights the Blue Billy and Discovery Formations, which extend across the Edmund-Collier Basin and reach thicknesses up to 700 meters within the Wanna Syncline. These formations exhibit thermal maturity and organic richness conducive to thermogenic hydrogen generation, a process where hydrogen is produced from organic matter under elevated temperatures.
Robust Geochemical Evidence Supports Hydrogen Potential
Complementing the seismic data, recent Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyses from multiple diamond drill holes have returned strong values, averaging above 2% across extensive intervals. Such TOC levels are considered good to excellent indicators of source rocks capable of generating natural hydrogen. The data also suggest that hydrogen generation is occurring within an optimal thermal window, with temperatures in the deepest parts of the basin reaching levels favorable for sustained hydrogen production.
Porosity measurements from core samples further bolster the project's prospects, with values reaching up to 32% in some formations. These porosity levels are encouraging for the potential storage and migration of hydrogen within the basin's sedimentary rocks.
Strategic Fault Structures and Next Steps
The identification of the Godfrey and Talga Faults as deep regional structures extending from the basement to the surface presents ideal targets for upcoming soil gas surveys. These surveys aim to detect micro seepage of hydrogen and associated gases, providing direct evidence of surface gas presence and aiding in the delineation of prospective zones.
Constellation Resources is actively progressing regulatory approvals for its Special Prospecting Authorities and plans to undertake comprehensive soil gas sampling across its extensive natural hydrogen land portfolio, which spans over 87,000 square kilometers. The company also recently launched a pro-rata entitlement offer to raise approximately $2.52 million to support ongoing exploration activities.
Implications for the Emerging Hydrogen Sector
This announcement positions Constellation Resources at the forefront of natural hydrogen exploration in Australia, tapping into a potentially transformative energy resource. While the results are preliminary and require further validation through drilling and surface sampling, the combination of seismic, geochemical, and structural data provides a compelling case for the basin's hydrogen potential.
As the global energy transition accelerates, discoveries like Edmund-Collier could play a pivotal role in diversifying hydrogen supply sources beyond conventional production methods.
Bottom Line?
Constellation’s seismic and geochemical breakthroughs set the stage for critical soil gas surveys that could redefine natural hydrogen exploration in Australia.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming soil gas surveys confirm surface hydrogen seepage and delineate commercial accumulations?
- How will regulatory approvals for exploration permits influence the project’s timeline and capital deployment?
- What are the implications of these findings for Constellation’s valuation and the broader natural hydrogen market?
