French company begins a 24-month geophysical survey in the Hajar Mountains, with more than 1,000 passive seismic sensors planned to assess underground hydrogen potential
French natural hydrogen exploration company Mantle8 has commenced fieldwork in Ras Al Khaimah as part of what it describes as the UAE’s first dedicated natural hydrogen exploration programme, following an agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Energy (DOE).
Under the agreement, Mantle8 has secured an exclusive right to negotiate an exploration contract for Block 7. The programme, expected to run for up to 24 months, begins with the delineation of the survey area ahead of the deployment of more than 1,000 passive seismic sensors in the Hajar Mountains.
The project is Ras Al Khaimah’s first dedicated geophysical survey for natural hydrogen, providing an opportunity to investigate whether the emirate’s geological formations could support domestic production. Unlike manufactured hydrogen, natural or geological hydrogen is generated by processes occurring within the Earth’s crust.
Mantle8 is directly funding the exploration programme and has established a permanent office in Dubai to support its Middle East operations. Jean-Valery Garcia was appointed Regional Director, Middle East, in September 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah sits at the northern end of the Semail Ophiolite, a major exposed section of oceanic crust. According to Mantle8, the area’s ultrabasic rocks, active fault systems and observed hydrogen seeps offer geological indicators that warrant further investigation into hydrogen generation and accumulation below the surface.
The company will use its HOREX 4D passive seismic imaging technology alongside GeoLogix and APoGeH, supported by gas, water and rock sampling and analysis of existing subsurface information. The initial stage is non-invasive and will not involve 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.”
Masini added that combining geology, geophysics and geochemistry would help the company understand where hydrogen is generated and accumulated before committing to drilling.
Garcia said: “Securing exclusive exploration rights in Block 7 gives us the opportunity to assess Ras Al Khaimah’s natural hydrogen potential systematically, using a combination of field data and subsurface imaging. With fieldwork underway and a dedicated team on the ground, our immediate priority is to build a robust multiphysics model that can guide the next stage of exploration.”
The agreement establishes a framework for progressing from initial data collection towards a possible commercial agreement for exploratory drilling and development. Any subsequent activity will depend on the programme’s findings and a further agreement between the parties.
Natural hydrogen could potentially offer a lower-emissions and lower-cost alternative to manufactured hydrogen if commercially viable deposits and accessible reservoirs are identified. Its commercial potential at the Ras Al Khaimah site has yet to be established.
The UAE programme adds to Mantle8’s exploration portfolio spanning Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Earlier in 2026, the Grenoble-headquartered company completed a €31 million Series A financing round to accelerate deployment of its exploration technology.
Source: Tahawul Tech