Helium One advances Tanzania testing, Galactica Pegasus progress matters locally

Helium One Global moved into the next phase of field work at its southern Rukwa project in Tanzania, reentering the main discovery well and completing a program of preparatory steps ahead of downhole pump testing. Company crews used the Predator 220 drilling rig to reentered the ITW1 wellbore and retrieved the two and seven eighths inch completion string together with the production packers. Wireline logging work is under way after the rig recovered the completion string.

A contract for logging services is in place with Digital Borehole Surveying PTY Ltd, and the team will finish logging the open hole basement section before installing and running the Electrical Submersible Pump equipment. The ESP package is being shipped from China and is expected to be mobilised to site once it clears customs, with testing planned once surface and downhole systems are installed. Site civil works for water disposal and road upgrades were completed to support ESP operations and to prepare access ahead of the wet season. The company also reported receiving a Certificate of Incentives for Mineral Processing from the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority.

The operational update is directly relevant to Las Animas County because Helium One holds a 50 percent working interest in the Galactica Pegasus helium development project in the county, which is operated by Blue Star Helium. The company framed the ESP test as a step that could increase flow rate, helium concentration and the gas water ratio at the discovery well, moves that would support an upgrade from contingent resources toward bookable reserves and help de risk a path to production. For local stakeholders, an accelerated resource conversion and subsequent construction and tie in work could translate into contracting opportunities, local hiring during construction phases, and longer term infrastructure and tax revenue effects.

Market and policy implications hinge on the testing outcome and timing. A successful ESP run that raises recoverable volumes would improve project economics and make financing and offtake conversations easier, while the TISEZA incentive improves the Tanzanian fiscal picture for processing. Las Animas County officials and local businesses should monitor company updates on first gas expectations and construction milestones as the Galactica Pegasus project moves through commissioning and tie in stages.