Mantle8 Confirms Hydrogen Presence Through Pyrenees Soil Tests

Mantle8’s exploration model validated by 2,500 ppm hydrogen readings in Comminges

Recent test results in the French Pyrenees show active natural hydrogen systems, aligning with Mantle8’s predictive technology and site modeling.

GRENOBLE, France | April 15, 2025 – Mantle8, a natural hydrogen exploration company based in France, has verified high-concentration hydrogen presence in the Comminges region of the Pyrenees, following extensive soil-gas analysis. The findings lend significant support to the company’s proprietary exploration technology, which integrates multiple geological and analytical methods to identify and map hydrogen systems.

Unique approach to hydrogen exploration

Unlike conventional exploration strategies, Mantle8's technology is designed to detect and evaluate complete hydrogen-generating systems. By combining geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and numerical modeling, the company maps the full subsurface hydrogen cycle — from source rock to potential reservoir. This multi-disciplinary approach has enabled Mantle8 to forecast promising sites more accurately than industry norms.

The company’s modeling had previously indicated that Comminges could host an active hydrogen-generating environment. That assumption was recently validated when soil-gas sampling revealed concentrations reaching 2,500 parts per million (ppm) — significantly higher than the 350 ppm threshold commonly used to define prospective hydrogen zones.

Pilot site confirmed ahead of exploration license

According to Mantle8 Founder and CEO Emmanuel Masini, the Comminges block was selected due to its favorable geological setup and potential as a testbed for the company’s methods. “The Comminges block represents the perfect combo: an ideal pilot zone to validate our technologies, with a geological setting offering maximum hydrogen potential,” he stated.

While the full PER (Permit Exclusif de Recherche) license is expected by the end of 2025, Mantle8 has already begun low-impact monitoring activities in the region. The current phase involves imaging the entire hydrogen system, including potential reservoirs, to determine future drilling locations. This pre-drill analysis is expected to reduce project lead time by 50% and significantly lower initial exploration costs.

Toward cost-efficient hydrogen production by 2030

With favorable early findings, Mantle8 aims to make natural hydrogen a cost-effective energy option within the next five years. “With these highly encouraging early results, we are well on our way to make $0.80/kg hydrogen a reality by 2030,” said Masini.

As energy markets increasingly seek local, sustainable sources, natural hydrogen is gaining traction as a viable alternative. Developments in Comminges may offer a glimpse into how hydrogen exploration and production could evolve across Europe, supporting long-term energy resilience and climate goals.