Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) and Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) have released preliminary results from a recently completed soil gas program at their Smoking Gun and Parson's Pond hydrogen-helium projects in Western Newfoundland. The program, which collected 710 samples over approximately two weeks, identified four new prospective soil gas anomalies — two at each project. The results disclose hydrogen values up to 900 parts per million (ppm) at Parson's Pond and helium readings up to 7.7 ppm at Smoking Gun, results the companies describe as highly encouraging at this early stage.

Key Points

  • Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) and Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) jointly announced the preliminary soil gas results
  • 710 soil gas samples were collected across Smoking Gun and Parson's Pond projects, identifying four new anomalies
  • Hydrogen values reached up to 900 ppm at Parson's Pond and up to 600 ppm at Smoking Gun; helium values reached up to 7.7 ppm at Smoking Gun
  • Investors may be watching whether further sampling programs are authorised to expand and delineate the anomalous zones identified

Smoking Gun Project Soil Gas Results in Deer Lake Basin

The Smoking Gun Project, situated within the Deer Lake sedimentary basin in Western Newfoundland, returned two broad hydrogen and helium soil gas anomalies. The release states hydrogen values reached up to 600 ppm and helium values up to 7.7 ppm. Many helium samples exhibited a strong spatial association with hydrogen readings, which the companies suggest may indicate a common source for both gases. A historical drill hole designated DDH 79-67, located between the two anomalies, previously documented helium at 8,900 parts per billion, and its position aligns spatially with the newly identified anomalies, according to the disclosure.

Parson's Pond Returns Highest Hydrogen Readings from Inaugural Program

At the Parson's Pond property, also in Western Newfoundland, two hydrogen soil gas anomalies were identified in the central portion of the project area. The release states the highest hydrogen values reached 900 ppm, which the companies characterise as highly significant. Several hydrogen sample clusters point toward the historic Finnigan well, which previously encountered high-pressure gas. Sampling conditions in the Parson's Pond Lake area were described as challenging due to wet and shallow bedrock, limiting collection to 20 samples, yet a significant percentage of those returned anomalous hydrogen concentrations including readings above 400 ppm on a lakeside island.

Geological Framework Supporting Natural Hydrogen and Helium Generation

Both projects benefit from geological conditions the companies consider favourable for natural hydrogen and helium generation and entrapment. At Smoking Gun, serpentinization processes, glauconite redox reactions, and radiogenic helium production from uranium and thorium are identified as potential gas generation mechanisms, with mudstones and shales acting as a seal. At Parson's Pond, the presence of glauconite-bearing sandstones, historical methane gas hits at two drill holes 14.2 km apart, and documented surface gas venting all contribute to what the companies describe as a potentially active, expansive gas system. The companies note large portions of both projects remain unsampled.