Natural hydrogen and helium explorer H2EX and Yued Aboriginal Corporation have executed a Yued Heritage Protection Agreement to cover the company's gas soil study program for 2025 on Yued Boodja.

The Yued Heritage Protection Agreement (YHPA) is "a pragmatic, commercial agreement" that establishes the processes by which consideration is given to activities planned by project proponents, the YAC said on Friday.

Under a YHPA, proponents submit their planned Activity Notice which is considered by YAC's Cultural Advice Committee (CAC). The CAC then provides advice to YAC's management team on how to best ensure that cultural heritage is identified and protected.

Yued Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Rewi Lyall said on Friday that companies who are exploring opportunities on Yued Boodja are "increasingly understanding that Yued Aboriginal Corporation will work with them to ensure timely consideration of their proposed activities".

"So long as Yued are comfortable that their heritage is being properly respected and protected, proponents can expect to get on with the job in a timely fashion," he said.

H2EX CEO and Managing Director Mark Hanna thanked Yued Aboriginal Corporation "for its pragmatism and help".

"We look forward to quickly undertaking our studies that may identify positive natural hydrogen and helium signatures," he said.

"In a success case, natural hydrogen could form an important emission free part of the regional energy mix."

H2EX is the latest energy company to sign a heritage protection agreement with Yued Aboriginal Corporation in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Alinta Energy signed an agreement with the YAC.

In early June, Yued struck a deal with Carbon Positive Australia, and three weeks ago reached agreement with Neoen Australia.