Helium One Global (AIM: HE1) recently announced that it is finalising the formal award of a Mining Licence (ML) for its 480km² Southern Rukwa helium project, following the conclusion of all required negotiations and agreements with the Government of Tanzania.
The company has reached final agreement with the Government Negotiations Team on all necessary documents, including a Regulatory Framework Agreement, a Shareholders’ Agreement, the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the joint venture, and a jointly agreed economic model.
A formal signing ceremony is expected shortly, once final approvals and Government-nominated directors are confirmed.
The Mining Licence was officially offered to the company in March 2025, following an application submitted in September 2024, and Helium One has paid the initial annual rent of approximately USD 960,000.
The licence will be held through a joint venture company named Songwe Helium Ltd, in which Helium One will hold 83% and the Government of Tanzania 17% as a free carried interest.
The board of directors of Songwe will consist of five members, with three appointed by the company and two by the Government.
The next steps in the development programme will be announced following the signing of the Mining Licence.
James Smith, Non-Executive Chairman of Helium One, stated: “This is a pivotal period in the Company’s increasing maturity and growth. Getting to this point would not have been possible without the continued support from the Government of Tanzania and the local communities.”
Helium One’s CEO, Lorna Blaisse, added: “The speed with which the formal application and grant process has occurred is a testament to the relationship we have built with the Tanzanian Government. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Mining Commission and the Ministry of Minerals for all of their invaluable support.”
Helium One also announced that it will not seek renewal of prospecting licences PL 11135/2017 and PL 11136/2017, which expired on 1 June 2025.
PL 11135/2017 covered 67.65 km² in the Stahamili area of the Rukwa Basin, while PL 11136/2017 spanned 286.63 km² in the Gogota–Eyasi region.
The licences, which included partially offshore zones and were located in less accessible areas, were relinquished as they no longer aligned with the company’s development strategy.
The Southern Rukwa Project
The Southern Rukwa Project is Helium One’s flagship asset, located in the southern Rukwa Rift Basin in southwest Tanzania.
The project entered full appraisal and development stage following a successful 2023/24 exploration campaign that confirmed a helium discovery at Itumbula West-1.
In Q3 2024, an extended well test delivered a continuous flow of 5.5% helium to the surface.
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