Drilling Completed at Tanzania’s North Rukwa Helium Project, Mbelele-2

Drilling begins at North Rukwa's Helium Project in Tanzania

Noble Helium Limited (ASX:NHE) recently completed drilling at Mbelele-2, part of the company’s 100% owned North Rukwa Helium Project in Tanzania.

Justyn Wood, the CEO of Noble Helium commented: “It’s extremely pleasing to have completed the drilling stage at Mbelele-2 on time and safely, and with excellent borehole conditions so that we can now proceed to confidently collect the data we need to define the helium associated with the Mbelele structure. Early indications are excellent and consistent with the results at Mbelele-1.”

The company explains that significant helium increases in the mud gas have confirmed multiple zones of interest in the Mbelele2 wellbore, including some pre-drill zones of interest and additionally, open-fractured basement, where the highest mud gas helium readings were encountered at multiples of background.

The wireline logging and sampling program is currently underway and preliminary results are expected to be available in the near term.

The well will then be lined and suspended to allow for potential future flow testing after the coming wet season.

Mbelele-1 downhole samples are now being prepared for export from Dar es Salaam after securing the necessary government approvals for customs clearance.

With the processes and procedures now in place, the Mbelele-2 samples will also be able to be exported shortly after acquisition, and anticipate both Mbelele-1 and Mbelele-2 results to be available from mid-December.

The Rukwa Helium Project

Rukwa is a large-scale, high-grade, primary helium project covering an area of approximately 3,590 km2 in southwestern Tanzania with the potential to become a strategic asset in resolving a supply-constrained market.  

The North Rukwa project boasts a potential helium resource of 176 billion cubic feet, making this the largest known primary helium resource in the world, and positioning this Tanzanian region as a potential major source of helium globally.

Helium is indispensable in various applications, from hospital MRI machines to components in electronics and space missions.

Want to know more about Mining in Tanzania? Our free Tanzania Business and Investment Guide 2026 covers Mining, plus regulations, key sectors, and investment opportunities — all in one place.

Download Free Guide
Related Posts
Anthony Mavunde Parliament Bunge
Read More

Tanzania’s 2026/27 Mining Budget Sets Ambition for Critical Minerals Leadership and Top-4 Global Niobium Producer Status

Tanzania's Ministry of Minerals has tabled a TZS 174.98 billion budget for FY 2026/27, with a revenue collection target of TZS 1.41 trillion from a sector whose GDP contribution has climbed to 11.9% and whose exports rose 31.1% to USD 5,401.9 million in 2025. The budget prioritises critical and strategic minerals, the Panda Hill niobium project expected to make Tanzania a top-4 global producer, the Buzwagi value-addition hub, and expanding geophysical survey coverage to 50% of the country by 2030.
Tanzania mineral processing
Read More

Tanzania to Build Mineral Processing Center in Shinyanga to Boost Value Addition

The Tanzanian government plans to establish a Mineral Processing Center in Mwakitolyo, Shinyanga Region, to deepen mineral value addition and expand local participation in the mineral value chain. Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr. Steven Kiruswa highlighted the initiative in Parliament, emphasizing the need to build technical capacity among youth and women from exploration to processing.
Tanzania Mahenge Graphite Project Map
Read More

Tanzania Mahenge Graphite Project Early Works to Complete by Mid-2026 Ahead of Final Investment Decision

Black Rock Mining's early works program at the Mahenge Graphite Project in Tanzania's Ulanga region is nearing completion, with final earthworks and resettlement activities expected to wrap up by late Q2 2026. Community compensation for the lower access road has been completed, the 220kV transmission line survey is finished, and all early works pricing has been validated against the 2022 FEED, positioning the project for a rapid construction ramp-up once full funding and a Final Investment Decision are secured.