Natural Hydrogen – Whitebark Energy confirms multi-gas system at Rickerscote
Whitebark Energy (ASX:WBE) has validated the presence of natural hydrogen across the Rickerscote Prospect following a detailed soil gas survey over PELs 253 and 81.
The program recorded elevated hydrogen readings of 25–30 ppm at IVY 2 and IVY 9, confirming localised micro-seepage and supporting the interpretation that a natural hydrogen system is actively present within the broader structure.
Methane pulse points to depth
No hydrogen or methane flux was detected along the main southern bounding fault, reinforcing its role as an effective seal, an essential prerequisite for large, trapped accumulations.
While methane remained at or near baseline across most IVY units, the survey captured a solitary but significant methane anomaly at IVY 10, where concentrations briefly spiked to 5,600 ppm before returning to background.
With no nearby activity that could explain the reading, consultants attributed it to a genuine, short-lived geological event. This provides useful evidence of a potential deep-sourced gas charge, consistent with the broader subsurface model for Rickerscote
Multi-gas potential
Spot helium measurements also yielded encouraging results. Water bore OMVB8 returned 11 ppm, well above the ~1.6 ppm regional background. Although preliminary, this helium expression aligns with previously reported prospective volumes and adds another datapoint pointing toward an active, multi-gas system.
Rickerscote is one of the largest undrilled, seismically defined sub-salt closures onshore Australia, spanning 180–400 km². Earlier prospective estimates point to ~710 million kg hydrogen, ~97 Bcf helium and ~153 mmboe hydrocarbons.
The confirmation of near-surface gas expressions including hydrogen micro-seepage, a deep-sourced methane pulse and elevated helium, strengthens the geological model.
These results reduce early-stage geological risk and reinforce the basin’s credentials ahead of the planned Rickerscote-1 well in 2026.
Management comments
Whitebark CEO Nik Sykiotis, was thrilled with the successful completion of the soil gas survey over PELs 81 and 253,
The results add to the growing body of evidence pointing to an active petroleum, natural hydrogen and helium system operating at Rickerscote and provide valuable data as we prepare for the next phase of exploration.
“The results of the soil gas survey are another positive indicator for the presence of a substantial gas accumulation at Rickerscote. We believe these results increase our opportunity to attract the right farm-in partner to progress and drill Rickerscote-1 in the 2026 calendar year.”
Next steps
Whitebark now moves toward integrating the soil gas data with its existing seismic and geological work to refine targeting for Rickerscote-1.
With the survey confirming a multi-gas system and supporting the effectiveness of structural seals, the company enters 2026 with a strong technical foundation and a clearer pathway to drilling.
WBE’s Australian Security Exchange-listed share price is currently trading at $0.008 (10:30 am UTC+ 8 hours)
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Natural Hydrogen – Whitebark Energy confirms multi-gas system at Rickerscote, source
