Helium One Global Ltd (AIM:HE1, OTCQB:HLOGF, FRA:9K3) has begun a new phase of testing at its flagship helium exploration project in southern Tanzania, as the AIM-listed company looks to assess whether deeper rock layers can deliver higher gas flows.

The company said on Monday that electrical submersible pump, or ESP, testing has started at its ITW-1 well in the southern Rukwa basin. 

An ESP is a downhole pump used to increase the rate at which fluids (and in this case helium-bearing gas) can be brought to the surface, helping engineers judge the commercial potential of a well.

The move follows the completion of wireline logging, a process that gathers detailed data from inside the well, and the mobilisation of equipment and personnel to the site.

Helium One said all downhole tools and surface control systems have now passed checks ahead of deployment.

The pump assembly is currently being lowered into the well and will be positioned to test deeper geological zones known as the fractured Basement and Karoo intervals.

These layers are of interest because they are thought to have the potential to deliver higher flow rates and increased helium production.

Once the pump is set at the planned depth and the tubing hanger, which seals and supports the pipework at the wellhead, has been tested, the company will carry out a final function test.

The well will then be opened and the pump switched on. The testing programme is expected to take between two and three weeks. Helium One said it would provide further updates as work progresses.

Helium One is focused on exploring for helium in Tanzania and also holds a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, in the United States. By Ian Lyall, Proactive