On Generating a Geological Model for Hydrogen Gas in the Southern Taoudenni Megabasin

(Bourakebougou Area, Mali)*

Denis Briere1, Tomasz Jerzykiewicz2, and Wojciech Śliwiński3

Search and Discovery Article #42041 (2017)**

Posted March 27, 2017

*Adapted from oral presentation given at AAPG/SEG International Conference & Exhibition, Barcelona, Spain, April 3-6, 2016
**Datapages © 2017 Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.

1
Chapman Petroleum Engineering Ltd., Calgary, Canada
2
Geoclastica Consulting Ltd., Calgary, Canada (tomjerzyk@fastmail.net)
3
Wroclaw University, Institute of Geological Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland

Abstract

A natural subsurface occurrence of pure hydrogen gas has been discovered in Mali. This discovery is being studied using
conventional methods in order to produce a working geological model with predictive potential for finding more hydrogen gas
in the same basin and elsewhere in the world.

An occurrence of 98% pure hydrogen gas has been discovered north of Bamako in a water well drilling surprise. A reported
proven volume of hydrogen makes the discovery seemingly important locally and perhaps might even be of global significance.
From the villagers in the mud huts of Bourakebougou to the green energy geo-visionaries around the world, the question
becomes: “What does this H2 gas discovery mean?” More specifically for geoscientists: “What should we know in order to
generate a geological model of the hydrogen occurrence in the rocks of Bourakebougou”? The objective of this article is to
explore this hydrogen discovery using conventional geological methods. Extensive surveys and technical reports were made to
produce a preliminary geological model. We assume that using petroleum system logic, with some modifications, is as good a
starting point as any. If so, then our exploration should concentrate on three essential issues:
1. Source of hydrogen,
2. Path of migration,
3. Reservoir and seal.
None of these issues have been solved definitely, and work is progressing rather slowly mainly because of the tense political
situation in Mali.

Our preliminary geological model is in a very early stage. We hope that our model might provide a predictive tool for
discovering more hydrogen gas in the basin and elsewhere, but it is clear that all three issues need resolution.

Seemingly, the most important difference between hydrogen and hydrocarbons in rocks has to do with preservation potential,
which is much lower for hydrogen. For this reason, a sustainable source of hydrogen is preferred over other sources under
consideration.
 GEOLOGICAL MODEL
OF 98% HYDROGEN
1. Source, 2. Path of migration, 3. Seal.
Bourakebougou area, Mali

Preservation potential ?
Continuous hydrogen
gas flows from the
discovery well
 The discovery well is located in the Tambaoura Basin which is
in the southwestern part of the Taoudenni Megabasin

Bourakebogou
Discovery Well
Bakoye (Ba)
Algal mat
Herringbone LateriteBasin Margin
stratified sandstone
Granite of the Dolerite
Dolerite
West African Shallow marine
Craton sandstone 500

(Proterozoic) Dolerite
Bamako Bourakebogou Laterite
Dio
So1-2
Ni
So3
So1
Ni Doeite
Ba St Ba
1000
Souroukoto
So3 2000 (So)
So1-2 Dolerite
Intrusion 3000
Granites & migmatites
(Archean & Proterozoic) 2000
 Discovery Well

Bourakebougou Flower Structure The shallow seismic surveys

show flower structures in
100m dolerite that resulted from
Dolerite strike-slip tectonic deformation.
Sandstone Hydrogen gas concentrations
are believed to occur in these
flower structures.
200m
Laterite

Issues: 1. Source of hydrogen, 2. Path of migration,

3. Reservoir and seal.
None of these issues has been solved definitely,
and work is progressing rather slowly mainly
Dolerite because of the tense political situation in Mali.
Laterite

Exogenic processes that could

be operating within the shallow
bedrock itself are:
(1) Serpentinization,
(2) Anaerobic fermentation, and
(3) Spontaneous electrolysis.

Dolerite
3Fe2SiO4 + 2H2O → 3SiO2 + 2Fe3O4 + 2H2
olivine + water → quartz + magnetite + hydrogen
 The endogenic processes that
could be operating from the
deep substratum are:
(4) Mantle degassing,
(5) Rock crushing,
(6) Anaerobic corrosion, and
Algal mat
Herringbone Laterite (7) Petroleum cracking.
stratified sandstone

Dolerite

Laterite
Dolerite Intrusion Discovery Well Volcanoes, geothermal springs, and deep-
rooted faults are common sources of
So3
So1
hydrogen. Mantle degassingDolerite
is a possible
1000m
St source In view of existing deep faults
2000m related to the rejuvenation of extensional
3000m
tectonics.
Proterozoic granite
CONCLUSION

Exogenic and endogenic sources are being considered to

explain the occurrence of hydrogen. Serpentinization of
ultramafic rocks is one of the most likely possibilities. Much
more data is needed in order to develop a reliable predictive
model for this surprising discovery. A satisfactory geological
model is hampered by the present political tension in the area.