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Tulloch, A.J.; Strogen, D.P.; Rattenbury, M.S.; Sagar, M.W. 2023 A brief investigation of the potential for commercial radiogenic helium production in Aotearoa New Zealand. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2021/20. 19 p.; doi: 10.21420/0ZNK-6S49
Abstract
Helium (He) gas is crucial to many industries, and research and medical facilities, but there has been widespread concern about depletion of reserves. This brief report considers the possibility that a commercially viable He resource might be found in Aotearoa New Zealand. We assembled two map-based datasets to assess He potential, one using existing geological maps and associated geochemical information (uranium, thorium content) to map the He-generating potential of Aotearoa New Zealand plutonic rocks and the other using sedimentary basin and geophysical information to map areas of ‘good and poor’ containment (reservoir + seal) potential. These two maps were combined using standard GIS modelling methods to generate a He resource potential map. The results show no regions of plutonic rocks with suitably high effective uranium content; neither can we report any extensive areas of moderately high values. Additionally, issues of poor seal, active tectonics and the young age of containment structures are all likely to be problematic. We conclude that the potential for commercial radiogenic He production is very low.
