French company begins 24-month exploration programme in Ras Al Khaimah's Hajar Mountains, including the deployment of more than 1,000 passive seismic sensors to assess the potential for naturally occurring hydrogen.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - Mantle8, a French natural hydrogen exploration company, has secured an exclusive right to negotiate an exploration contract for Block 7 in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah under an agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Energy (DOE). Fieldwork is now underway, with an initial phase of sensor deployment to delineate the survey area ahead of the installation of more than 1,000 passive seismic sensors. The exploration programme is expected to run for up to 24 months.

The project represents Ras Al Khaimah's first dedicated geophysical survey specifically for natural hydrogen exploration, allowing the emirate to assess whether its geology could support domestic hydrogen production and contribute to regional energy diversification. Natural hydrogen, which is generated by geological processes within the Earth's crust, could offer a route to lower-cost supply without the energy-intensive production processes required for manufactured hydrogen.

Mantle8 is funding the exploration programme directly and has established a permanent office in Dubai to support operations across the Middle East. The appointment of Jean-Valery Garcia as Regional Director, Middle East, in September 2026 signals the company's long-term commitment to the region and reflects the scale of opportunity it sees in the UAE and neighbouring markets.

Ras Al Khaimah's geology makes it a promising location for natural hydrogen exploration. The emirate lies at the northern end of the Semail Ophiolite, one of the world's largest and most exposed sections of oceanic crust. Its ultrabasic rocks, active fault systems and observed hydrogen seeps provide geological indicators that warrant further investigation into the potential for hydrogen generation and accumulation beneath the surface.

To assess that potential, Mantle8 will deploy its proprietary exploration technology, including HOREX 4D passive seismic imaging, GeoLogix and APoGeH, with field sampling of gas, water and rock and analysis of existing subsurface datasets. The approach is designed to build a detailed picture of the subsurface and identify areas warranting further investigation. The initial exploration phase is non-invasive and does not require drilling.

Emmanuel Masini, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mantle8, said: "Ras Al Khaimah offers an exceptional geological setting for natural hydrogen exploration. Beyond its exposed ultramafic rocks, our geological work points to additional mantle formations at depth that could further enhance the region's hydrogen potential. By combining geology, geophysics and geochemistry through our integrated exploration technology, we aim to understand where hydrogen is generated and accumulated before committing to drilling. Our presence in the region reflects our confidence in its potential and our long-term commitment to the Middle East."

Ras Al Khaimah's geology makes it a promising location for natural hydrogen exploration. The emirate lies at the northern end of the Semail Ophiolite, one of the world's largest and most exposed sections of oceanic crust. Its ultrabasic rocks, active fault systems and observed hydrogen seeps provide geological indicators that warrant further investigation into the potential for hydrogen generation and accumulation beneath the surface.

To assess that potential, Mantle8 will deploy its proprietary exploration technology, including HOREX 4D passive seismic imaging, GeoLogix and APoGeH, with field sampling of gas, water and rock and analysis of existing subsurface datasets. The approach is designed to build a detailed picture of the subsurface and identify areas warranting further investigation. The initial exploration phase is non-invasive and does not require drilling.

Emmanuel Masini, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mantle8, said: "Ras Al Khaimah offers an exceptional geological setting for natural hydrogen exploration. Beyond its exposed ultramafic rocks, our geological work points to additional mantle formations at depth that could further enhance the region's hydrogen potential. By combining geology, geophysics and geochemistry through our integrated exploration technology, we aim to understand where hydrogen is generated and accumulated before committing to drilling. Our presence in the region reflects our confidence in its potential and our long-term commitment to the Middle East."

Source:  FCW Team