Panoro Confirms Helium Potential in South Africa
Independent assessment finds an estimated 85 Bcf of gross recoverable helium at Exploration Right 376 in the North Karoo region.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Panoro Energy has confirmed material prospective helium and natural gas resource potential at Exploration Right 376 onshore South Africa, following an independent assessment by Sproule ERCE. The company converted Technical Cooperation Permit 218 into the exploration right.
Why it matters
Panoro Energy believes the helium potential offers a commercial opportunity that is scalable and de-linked from hydrocarbon prices. South Africa depends heavily on coal, which accounts for approximately 70 per cent of energy by source, making new domestic resource options relevant nationally.
The independent assessment estimates a gross recoverable un-risked mean of 85 Bcf of helium and over 4 Tcf of methane at the site. These figures are prospective, and the company has not yet determined how value will be realised.
The players
Panoro Energy
Panoro Energy is an oil and gas company that holds the exploration right at ER 376 onshore South Africa.
Sproule ERCE
Sproule ERCE is an independent energy consultancy that conducted the prospective resource assessment of Exploration Right 376.
The details
Panoro Energy holds a 100 per cent interest in Exploration Right 376 and evaluated three independent plays using an extensive borehole database, airborne geophysics and regional data. The right was converted from Technical Cooperation Permit 218, a one-year desktop study permit first awarded in 2022.
Timeline
2022: Panoro Energy was initially awarded Technical Cooperation Permit 218 for ER 376.
10 November 2026: Panoro announced the Sproule ERCE confirmation of helium and gas potential.
Big Picture
South Africa's energy mix remains heavily reliant on coal, which accounts for approximately 70 per cent of energy by source. The Exploration Right 376 assessment represents a potential domestic resource outside that mix, though its commercial viability remains unproven.
For South African households, the story signals a possible future source of domestic gas and helium, but no immediate change to prices or supply has been announced. The resource remains prospective and un-risked, so consumers should not expect near-term effects.
The takeaway
Prospective resource estimates are an early step rather than a confirmed supply, and their commercial value will depend on further evaluation. Readers should watch for updates on how Panoro Energy plans to realise value from the exploration right.
Further reading
Explore more on Oil and Gas developments across South Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Energy-pedia.
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