Constellation’s Natural Hydrogen Vision Takes Shape at Edmund-Collier
- Noel Ong
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Announcement:
Figure 1: Organic-rich Blue Billy Formation core (17BBDD002: 337.7m–345.5m) (source: Constellation Resources)
As the energy transition accelerates, could natural hydrogen offer a viable, scalable zero-carbon fuel alternative. In this context, Constellation Resources Limited (ASX: CR1) has delivered a pivotal update that confirms thermogenic hydrogen potential at its flagship Edmund-Collier Project in Western Australia. This marks not just a technical milestone, but possibly an inflection point in how hydrogen exploration is perceived on a global scale.
A Major Technical Breakthrough - Potentially a Natural Hydrogen Source?
Constellation’s latest analysis of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Thermal Maturity (TM) from historical drill core has validated what many in the emerging natural hydrogen space have speculated—the Blue Billy and Discovery Formations contain laterally extensive, overmature, organic-rich shale units ideal for thermogenic hydrogen generation.
Initial TOC values—averaging up to 5.76%—across wide intervals in three of eleven drill holes point to strong hydrocarbon-style source rock potential (Figure 1). When coupled with thermal maturity readings (vitrinite reflectance equivalents) reaching up to 11.05 in some samples, it suggests that these rocks have exceeded the threshold temperatures (>250°C) required to liberate hydrogen (Figure 2). These results place Edmund-Collier on par with global analogues such as China’s Songliao Basin and Japan’s Niigata Basin.
Figure 2: Hydrogen generation model (Hanson & Hanson, 2023) with Edmund-Collier maturation window plotted (source: Constellation Resources)
What’s more, the scale here is hard to ignore. Spanning 300km east–west and 40km north–south, this basin-scale system has never been tested for hydrogen despite extensive historic drilling for zinc, copper, and uranium (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Constellation SPA-AO application locations (source: Constellation Resources)
Constellation suggests that the ideal hydrogen generation occurs at temperatures ranging from approximately 250°C to 500°C. This range is likely the minimum temperature that organic-rich shales in the deepest areas of the Wanna Syncline have experienced, which are currently situated at a depth of about 4–5 km (see Figure 4 and Figure 5).
CSIRO-led analyses of fluid inclusions for hydrogen and associated gases are currently underway, and identification would further strengthen the thermogenic hydrogen model (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Constellation SPA-AO application locations (source: Constellation Resources)
Unlocking a New Natural Hydrogen Frontier
The Wanna Syncline—a deep structural basin within Edmund-Collier—may act as a “kitchen” where organic-rich shales have reached peak natural hydrogen generation windows. Current data suggests that these units, lying at 4–5km depth, were exposed to paleo-temperatures ideal for producing hydrogen via catagenesis, metagenesis and metamorphic processes (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Cross-section with conceptual paleo-isotherms and drillhole locations (source: Constellation Resources)
Constellation’s forward program includes gas inclusion tests and additional TOC assays from the remaining eight drill holes. These results could provide definitive evidence of a naturally occurring hydrogen system at scale. Equally important, the project is strategically located near major gas infrastructure, providing a potential pathway to market if commercial volumes are confirmed.
Expanding the Land Position
Following this technical validation, Constellation has been granted additional SPA-AO licenses over the Ashburton Basin, expanding its total landholding to an impressive 87,602km² across WA. These newly acquired areas are considered prospective for hydrogen, helium, and associated gases and are intersected by existing gas pipelines.
The underlying model remains the same—radiogenic granites, deep fault zones, and organic-rich shales acting together in a sealed geological system to generate and trap hydrogen and helium. It’s a compelling setup for anyone paying attention to the zero-carbon fuels of the future.
Project Background: Edmund-Collier at a Glance
The Edmund-Collier Natural Hydrogen Project is located in Western Australia’s Gascoyne Province. Comprising four contiguous SPA-AOs (37,288km²), it is bounded by gas pipelines and contains a folded succession of 5km-thick Proterozoic rocks overlying radiogenic granites (Figure 5). This geologic setting provides the full hydrogen system: source rocks, heat, faulted migration pathways, potential reservoirs, and seals (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Conceptual Edmund-Collier Basin H2 - He System. (source: Constellation Resources)
Samso’s Concluding Comments
I came across this natural hydrogen phenomena about 3 years ago, and I thought that this would be an interesting part of the mineral resource sector if it could be proven to be viable. Like most exploration concepts, we all start with a theory and then go about proving it. Natural hydrogen is a very new concept, to me at least, so there is still a fair way to convince me that this is a viable concept. When it does, this could be a big economic asset for the West Australian government.
The confirmation of thermogenic hydrogen potential at Edmund-Collier looks like it may be marking a turning point in Western Australia’s energy narrative. Could this be seen as a moment when we could say that it is no longer about theory—it’s about evidence. I don't have enough experience in this area to have a valid opinion; other than that, anything is possible.
Potentially, the proposed concept may mean we are seeing a convergence of deep basin geology, emerging science around overmature shales, and a regulatory framework now designed to support exploration.
As I mentioned previously, Constellation isn’t just drilling into rocks—they’re drilling into a new energy economy. With first-mover advantage and basin-scale opportunity on their side, the Edmund-Collier Project offers investors something rare: a technically sound hydrogen story grounded in geology, not just speculation.
And while natural hydrogen still feels new to many, it’s worth remembering that in Bourakebougou, Mali, a small community has been powered by a shallow hydrogen reserve since 2012. As highlighted by Yale Environment 360, this isn’t future tech—it’s already working. Projects like Edmund-Collier may simply be the next chapter in a story that’s been quietly unfolding for over a decade.
Stay tuned— is this story only just unfolding?
Happy Investing and remember, always DYOR.
To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018.
Disclaimer
The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints.
Share to Grow: Your Bonus
Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio
A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook.
If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information. I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au.
Samso is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.
Comments