Rift Helium plc (AIM: RIFT), the primary helium exploration company focused on the 283 km² Upepo Project in Tanzania's Rukwa Basin, announced on 11 November 2026 that 3D seismic data acquisition commenced at Upepo on 10 November 2026, in line with previous guidance. The expanded survey covers approximately 90 km², some 83% larger than the area envisaged at IPO, for an 18% increase in the survey budget. The programme is designed to rank potential helium traps ahead of a two-well exploration programme planned to commence in H1 2027, and will support an updated independent resource assessment targeted for Q1 2027.

Key Points

  • Rift Helium plc (AIM: RIFT) is a primary helium exploration company operating the Upepo Project in Tanzania's Rukwa Basin
  • 3D seismic data acquisition commenced at Upepo on 10 November 2026, with receiver-node deployment beginning on 9 November 2026
  • Survey covers approximately 90 km², expanded 83% from the IPO footprint for an 18% increase in the survey budget; existing mid-case prospective helium resource stands at approximately 19 Bcf
  • Investors should watch for the updated independent resource assessment targeted for Q1 2027 and the planned two-well exploration programme in H1 2027

Upepo 3D Seismic Survey Begins on 10 November 2026, Expanding IPO Footprint by 83%

The announcement states that Rift's field camp is operational, with seismic crews and support services in place and the company's Chief Operating Officer on site overseeing operations. In-field crew training is continuing alongside acquisition. The expanded 90 km² survey builds on five existing exploration leads identified from geological and 2D seismic information, primarily on the eastern licence, PL12093/2022. Rift has deliberately extended the programme to gain a more comprehensive understanding of subsurface structures and surrounding fault systems, with the potential to identify additional traps and improve the ranking of drilling targets before capital is committed to exploration wells.

Rukwa Basin's Demonstrated Helium System and Rift's 19 Bcf Prospective Resource Underpin the Survey Rationale

The Rukwa Basin hosts a demonstrated working helium system, and Rift's Upepo Project sits adjacent to confirmed helium discoveries across a 283 km² licence area. The company's existing mid-case (P50) prospective helium resource estimate stands at approximately 19 billion cubic feet of helium. The new 3D seismic data will be integrated with existing geological and geophysical information to refine target selection and support an updated independent resource assessment targeted for Q1 2027, which the announcement indicates remains on schedule.

Capital Efficiency Argument Behind the 18% Budget Increase for Broader Subsurface Coverage

Rift's decision to increase the survey budget by 18% while expanding coverage by 83% reflects what the company describes as a commitment to making well-informed drilling decisions before committing capital to exploration wells. The announcement notes that 3D seismic cannot directly confirm a commercial helium accumulation and that exploration drilling remains necessary to test targets. By investing in higher-quality subsurface imaging now, the company states it aims to focus drilling capital on the geological locations where the case is most compelling, reducing the risk of poorly sited wells.

Two-Well Exploration Programme Remains on Schedule for H1 2027 with Q1 Resource Update Targeted

Rift confirmed there is no change to its exploration timetable. The company plans to deliver an updated independent resource assessment in Q1 2027, informed by the new 3D seismic dataset, before proceeding with its two-well exploration programme commencing in H1 2027. Investors may be watching whether seismic acquisition completes on schedule and whether the Q1 2027 resource update supports or upgrades the existing 19 Bcf mid-case estimate. Helium's role in semiconductor manufacturing, MRI, aerospace and emerging quantum technologies gives the project exposure to high-value industrial demand independent of hydrocarbon markets.