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(Sharecast News) - Rift Helium is preparing to list on London's AIM market in mid-April, it was reported on Wednesday, as it looked to capitalise on rising strategic demand for helium as global supply disruptions intensify.
The Tanzania-focused exploration company had secured commitments to raise about 8m through a placing and direct subscription, with shares expected to trade under the ticker RIFT upon admission.
The proceeds would be used to advance its Upepo Project in the Rukwa Basin in southwest Tanzania, including environmental impact assessment approval, 3D seismic-led prospect definition and, ultimately, drilling.
The Upepo Project spans more than 200 square kilometres of licence acreage and sits adjacent to confirmed helium discoveries, supporting Rift's view that the basin hosts a proven working helium system.
Independent consultants NSAI estimated gross unrisked prospective resources of around 19 billion cubic feet (Bcf), with a mean estimate of approximately 41 Bcf on the flagship licence block.
Rift was targeting seismic work in summer 2026, with well drilling planned for the first half of 2027.
The company argued it benefitted from a "third-mover advantage" in the basin, allowing it to apply insights from earlier exploration activity to pursue a more targeted and capital-efficient strategy with reduced geological risk.
The project also benefitted from existing transport infrastructure, including road and rail links to the port of Dar es Salaam, providing access to key export markets.
Asia accounts for roughly 60% of global helium imports, with the European Union representing a further 30%.
Rift's planned listing came amid heightened focus on helium supply security, as geopolitical tensions and disruption to Qatar's gas infrastructure - including constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz - had exposed the concentration of global supply.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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