Grand Gulf Energy (ASX: GGE) is undertaking a technical review of its Red Helium Project in Utah, prompted by a significant increase in global helium prices due to supply disruptions in Qatar.
Reduced exports, caused by a combination of the Strait of Hormuz closure and damage to the Ras Laffan LNG plant, have tightened the global market.
The proposed review will aim to optimise the existing land position, assess reprocessed seismic data, and evaluate the feasibility of drilling a third helium well.
The Red Helium Project made its maiden discovery with the Jesse-1A well in June 2022.
This well encountered a gas column greater than 200 feet, with 101 feet of independently audited net pay and a 1% helium content.
Helium Market Dynamics and Demand
The tight helium market is largely attributed to a 14% reduction in Qatar's helium exports.
Repairing the damaged Ras Laffan LNG plant could take up to five years, indicating a sustained period of reduced supply.
Demand for helium remains robust across various high-tech sectors.
It is critical for expanding electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, medical applications like MRI machines, as well as aerospace, fibre-optic, and defence industries, where substitutes are often limited.
Flow testing at the Jesse-1A well previously indicated a rate of approximately 1 million cubic feet of gas per day, with well pressure measured at 2,465 psi, on trend with virgin pressure nearby.
Dry Wash Antimony Project Update
Grand Gulf Energy recently completed initial reconnaissance rock-chip work at its Dry Wash Antimony Project in Utah.
This work uncovered visible stibnite in multiple samples from the Eocene Flagstaff Formation, suggesting shallow mineralisation.
The company plans further work including desktop compilation, detailed mapping, and systematic surface sampling.
This will be followed by targeted geophysical surveys, anticipated in 2026, to guide potential first-pass drilling, subject to permitting.
The 8,122-acre (3,287 ha) Dry Wash Project is strategically located adjacent to and on-trend with American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX: AT4)'s Antimony Canyon system.
AT4 has reported high-grade antimony results and inferred a north-northwest extension towards Dry Wash.
Desiree Oil Field and Capital Raising
Grand Gulf also provided a production update for its Desiree Oil Field in Louisiana, where it holds a 39.65% working interest.
The December 2025 quarter saw 3,428 gross barrels of oil produced from the Hensarling #1 well.
Oil sales from the field are exposed to WTI spot pricing. Current WTI spot prices are significantly higher than the average price of US$62.22 per barrel realised in the December 2025 quarter, potentially offering strong revenue upside.
The company is reviewing work-over and re-completion options to enhance oil output.
To support its project evaluations and provide working capital, Grand Gulf recently secured $500,000 through a placement of 250 million fully paid ordinary shares at $0.002 per share.
