Helium and natural gas explorer D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E, OTCQB:DNRGF) has recorded a 32% uplift in gas flow at its RBD03 well, part of the ER315 project in South Africa’s Free State, following well clean-out operations.
The improved results highlight the potential of legacy infrastructure, while also providing key data to support the company’s maiden reserve certification and Production Right application – both expected ahead of schedule and under budget.
The RBD03 well flowed gas at an average rate of 194 thousand standard cubic feet per day (Mscfd) over 14 days, delivering 2,700 Mscf in total – a notable improvement from prior tests. These findings reinforce the company’s geological model and support its broader helium and natural gas development ambitions.
“The performance of RBD03 post-clean out demonstrates the enduring productivity of these legacy boreholes. With enhanced flow rate stability and consistently high measured helium concentrations across all holes tested to date, this result supports our belief in the long-term potential of the Bloemskraal area within ER315,” D3 Energy managing director and CEO, David Casey said.
Strong flow rates post-clean out
The RBD03 well, drilled in 1982, underwent a clean-out to remove residual drilling materials and enhance borehole integrity. The operation paid off, with the well delivering consistently strong gas flows over a fortnight. D3 Energy confirmed the 32% increase in flow rate compared to previous tests, citing this as evidence of the reservoir’s long-term potential.
The RBD03 (Bloemskraal Nr1) well is a vertical hole with nine deflections, drilled into the Witwatersrand Quartzite formation. It was initially drilled for gold exploration and now targets helium and methane. The 14-day test was conducted without a choke, targeting depths between 400 and 592 metres. The 3-metre pay zone lies within a fractured quartzite unit around 445 metres below surface.
“These results, alongside our broader appraisal data, are feeding directly into our reserve certification process and the Production Right application, which we expect to submit significantly ahead of schedule and under budget. We remain focused on progressing ER315 as a world-class helium and natural gas development opportunity,” Casey said.
Reserve certification process underway
D3 Energy is collaborating with global consultancy Sproule ERCE to complete its maiden reserve certification for ER315. This certification marks a critical step in shifting from appraisal to development. It will initially apply to only a small section of the company’s broader permit area, pointing to further upside across ER315’s mapped fault zones.
The application for a Production Right is expected to follow shortly, with the company reaffirming it remains on track to submit ahead of schedule and under budget.