First Helium Inc. has discovered shallow heavy oil in Alberta’s Worsley Project. The 7-30 well produced 50 barrels of 15-degree API oil over two days. Experts estimate about 5 million barrels per square mile across the 53,000-acre property. The company plans to begin production in Q4 2025 using their existing infrastructure. This finding adds value to their helium gas exploration, which showed promising 1% helium content in recent samples.
First Helium Inc. has made a notable discovery of shallow heavy oil in its Worsley Project located in Northern Alberta. The company reported that its 7-30 well produced 50 barrels of 15-degree API oil over two days, while the 7-15 well yielded small quantities of heavy oil without stimulation. This discovery demonstrates potential for vertical well, cold flow heavy oil production in the region.
The heavy oil zone was encountered in multiple existing wellbores across the company’s property. Experts estimate approximately 5 million barrels of original oil in place per square mile. This finding confirms the multi-zone potential of the Worsley property and extends across First Helium’s 53,000-acre land base in the area.
The company plans to use contemporary horizontal drilling technology to maximize oil recovery. Initial economic analyses suggest attractive return rates and short payback periods. First Helium already owns oil battery and water disposal facilities nearby, which will help reduce operating costs as development progresses. The company demonstrated successful cold flow capability after acid stimulation of the well. This development aligns with their plan to commence first production in Q4 of 2025.
In addition to the heavy oil discovery, the company announced an extension of its Blue Ridge helium-enriched natural gas play to the eastern block. Gas sample analysis from the 7-15 well showed 1% helium content, higher than the 0.8% results previously found at West Worsley. This confirms an increasing helium content trend from west to east and could greatly expand the regional play.
First Helium’s next steps include bringing the 7-30 heavy oil zone into production and preparing an area development plan with potential project partners. A horizontal test well is planned for early Q3 2025, and the 5-27 Blue Ridge horizontal well is ready for completion and testing.
The company holds over 53,000 acres along the Worsley Trend and aims to become a leading independent helium gas provider in North America. Cash flow from these oil wells will support ongoing exploration and development efforts as First Helium builds on its previous successes in the region.
