Casablanca – In a significant step forward for Morocco’s energy industry, British exploration company Predator Oil & Gas has announced a crucial discovery of helium gas in the MOU-5 well, located in the Guercif region in northeastern Morocco. This discovery is seen as a major boost for both the country’s domestic energy market and its potential role in the international helium supply chain.

Helium is a rare and highly valuable gas, used in cutting-edge industries such as nuclear energy, aerospace, and medical imaging technology. Its use as a cooling medium for advanced machinery like MRI scanners and nuclear reactors makes it one of the most sought-after gases globally. The scarcity and rising demand for helium add a strategic dimension to this discovery, positioning Morocco as a new player in this niche market.

Predator Oil & Gas, which holds a 75% stake in the Guercif exploration license (with the remaining 25% held by Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines), collaborated with Scorpion Geoscience to conduct a thorough geological analysis of the site. Covering an area of 187 square kilometers, the study has identified promising helium reserves, with resource estimates expected to be released later this month.

The discovery isn’t just about helium. The MOU-5 well also holds potential for natural gas extraction, offering possibilities for the development of a gas-to-electricity project, thanks to its proximity to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline. The combination of natural gas and helium in the region provides Morocco with an opportunity to reduce its reliance on energy imports and take steps toward energy self-sufficiency.

Paul Griffiths, the executive chairman of Predator Oil & Gas, noted the significance of this find, stating, “The potential for helium adds a valuable dimension to this project, complementing the gas extraction efforts. With helium’s growing demand and Morocco’s favorable position, we are cautiously optimistic about its role in the region’s economic and energy future.”

The company’s drilling operations are taking place without the need for complex techniques, as MOU-5 is classified as a conventional well. This has made the process more cost-effective and efficient compared to previous drilling efforts in other parts of Morocco, such as the Gharb Basin.

In addition, Predator has extended its testing program at the nearby MOU-3 well. Following a detailed analysis of the well data, the company is now assessing the potential for further gas and helium discoveries. The tests are designed to provide a clearer understanding of the region’s resources and how best to exploit them.

As Predator advances its exploration efforts, it has also partnered with Zenith Energy Limited, an Aberdeen-based engineering firm, to provide technical support for its well operations in Morocco. This collaboration may expand to other regions, ensuring Predator has the expertise to fully capitalize on the country’s untapped energy potential.

With the global demand for helium rising due to its critical applications in technology and industry, this discovery in Guercif positions Morocco as a promising new player in the market. The helium find, coupled with ongoing gas exploration efforts, could attract further international investment to the country and elevate Morocco’s status as a key energy hub in North Africa.

As Morocco continues to diversify its economy, discoveries like this underline the potential of the country’s energy sector. If fully realized, these new resources could significantly bolster the nation’s energy independence, stimulate local development, and place it on the global stage as a producer of both natural gas and helium. The coming months will be critical as the full scale of the reserves and their economic impact becomes clearer.