Energy Transition Projects
2H Resources
2H Resources is aiming to be a leading explorer for natural hydrogen (also known as Gold or White Hydrogen) and associated helium. Natural hydrogen is produced from underground accumulations in the earth and not manufactured, so it has the potential for supply of low cost and low carbon intensity hydrogen. More details of natural hydrogen and the activities of 2H Resources are available on the 2H Resources website at 2hresources.com.
2H Resources has initially focused on areas where there is existing legislation that allows for the exploration and production of natural hydrogen. In Australia the South Australian jurisdiction is the most formalised and there is also evidence from historic wells for the presence of natural hydrogen. 2H Resources is the successful applicant for some 29,000 sq km of permits in South Australia that are prospective for natural hydrogen. These applications are currently going through the required regulatory and Native Title processes prior to their grant. Once these are granted, 2H Resources plans to undertake on-ground initial prospecting work on these permits using in-house capabilities and technology, including hydrogen measuring equipment including a recently purchased hydrogen sampling meter. A specialised hydrogen mudgas detection unit was also installed for the Currajong 1 drilling operation and detected a zone of up to 6% hydrogen percentage in mudgas over an interval of approximately six metres from 2,014 metres measured depth. This result is encouraging in confirming the presence of natural hydrogen in the Canning Basin.
Carbon Capture and Underground Storage (Project Geovault)
All credible paths to net zero by 2050 require utilisation of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). The only method of CCS that has the potential to provide the necessary scale is Carbon Capture and Underground Storage (CCUS). Geovault is participating in the CCS industry through the provision of geological sequestration services for major carbon dioxide emitters with sequestration of Buru’s own emissions also a focus, particularly in regard to major project facilitation in the Canning Basin.
Geovault has a highly experienced technical team to progress the identification and development of viable CO2 storage sites, especially where these may support development of major projects that have substantive CO2 emissions. The immediate focus of the team is on feasibility and geological studies to identify and quantify new potential CO2 storage locations, initially in Western Australia.
Geovault is also progressing relationships with complementary service providers to ensure it is able to provide an integrated CCUS service.
Battery Minerals (Project Battmin)
The geological conditions that form the hydrothermal dolomites that comprise the reservoirs in a number of Canning Basin oilfields also host hydrothermal lead/zinc deposits, generically known as Mississippi Valley type (MVT) deposits. Buru is applying its geological knowledge and extensive geological and geophysical data base to the exploration for these deposits as an adjunct to its petroleum exploration activity.
Current activity is focused on its joint venture with Sipa Resources Limited where it is expected that a drilling program on hydrothermal lead zinc targets that are well defined on detailed high resolution gravity surveys will be commenced in the third quarter of 2022.
Battmin has also applied for a number of mineral exploration areas in its own right including tenements that adjoin large areas of thick salt formations that were subsequently applied for by the Fortescue group.