HeLIX Exploration PLC (AIM:HEX, OTCQB:HHEXF) shares were up on Thursday, after it announced breakthrough results confirming both mantle helium and geological hydrogen potential at its flagship Rudyard Project in Montana.
The small-cap explorer, in a statement, said the findings indicate "significant potential for geological hydrogen generation" at the project.
The independent study by AIM GeoAnalytics found minerals such as serpentine, olivine, and magnetite that naturally generate hydrogen when reacting with water under heat and pressure.
“The science is clear: this is the type of system that can generate clean hydrogen naturally, without carbon emissions,” said Bo Sears, chief executive of Helix Exploration.
“If developed successfully, it could deliver hydrogen at a cost and purity level that could surpass anything achieved through conventional means.”
HeLIX noted, meanwhile, that isotope testing by Durham University recorded a ³He/⁴He ratio of 0.74 Rₐ - which is more than 3,600% above typical continental levels.
This indicates a measurable mantle component and deep-earth fluid migration into the Rudyard system, with a Helium-3 concentration averaging greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb).
The modelling suggests around 9% of the helium originates from the mantle, helping replenish the reservoir and enabling natural hydrogen generation, HeLIX explained.
HeLIX shares climbed 2.75p or 11.46% changing hands at 26.75p.