Prominence Energy says CSIRO study detected hydrogen in all 28 analysed rock samples at Eyre Peninsula project

• Analysed rock samples provide evidence consistent with past circulation of hydrogen-bearing fluids
• Two candidates identified as potential natural hydrogen generation mechanisms
• Potential source rocks identified supporting hydrogen-generation
• Results further inform ranking priority exploration and potential drilling targets

Prominence Energy (ASX: PRM) has received positive results from a CSIRO “Kick-Start” study, with hydrogen detected in all 28 successfully analysed rock samples and two potential natural hydrogen generation mechanisms identified at its Eyre Peninsula project in South Australia.

The CSIRO study identified elements compatible with a hydrogen system such as prospective source rocks, migration pathways and potential sealing formations.

CEO, Dr Krista Davies, said Prominence is now interpreting the results to strengthen Eyre’s natural hydrogen exploration potential and to provide a clearer pathway towards identifying high-priority drilling targets and a potentially significant hydrogen discovery.

“Detecting hydrogen in all 28 successfully analysed rock samples, evidences of past hydrogen-bearing fluid circulation, is an outstanding result for Prominence. Importantly, CSIRO has also identified potential hydrogen generation mechanisms and a potential sealing rock,” Dr Davies said.

“These results represent a major step forward in progressing the Eyre Peninsula exploration. The Prominence team can now focus on interpreting the findings to further inform our exploration targets, accelerating our progress towards drilling and the potential for a discovery that could deliver substantial value for its shareholders.”

The CSIRO identified uranium and thorium enriched felsic rocks of the Hiltaba Suite, particularly the Cultana Subsuite, as leading candidates for radiolytic hydrogen generation.

A second potential generation mechanism involves oxidation of reduced iron during reactions between water and iron-bearing rocks.

Hydrogen was detected in all 28 successfully analysed rock samples by a rock crushing technique which releases gases trapped in fluid inclusions. The results are consistent with hydrogen-bearing fluids having circulated through different basement rock units in the past.

CSIRO also identified faults and fracture networks as possible migration pathways. Several of the higher hydrogen measurements occur near intersections of major structures, supporting their inclusion in future target ranking, although a direct link to active hydrogen migration has not been established.

Prominence will now use the study results to refine the ranking of exploration prospects within petroleum exploration licence PEL 803, with an emphasis on identifying areas where favourable potential source rocks coincide with fault or fracture pathways and credible reservoir and seal configurations.

Follow-up work under consideration, consistent with CSIRO’s recommendations, includes:

1. Further assessment of hydrogen generation potential and the distribution of enriched source rocks.

2. Expanded testing of volcanic cover and other prospective sealing units, together with geological and geophysical review of their extent and integrity.

3. Additional investigation of hydrogen-bearing fluid inclusions and sampling of accessible deeper fluids to distinguish past activity from present-day hydrogen occurrence; and

4. Selection of the highest-ranked integrated target for potential exploration or stratigraphic drilling, subject to technical results, approvals and funding.

PRM was steady at 0.1¢ with a Mkt cap of $2.675M.

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