The Earth's ancient continental rocks have been found to contain massive amounts of natural hydrogen, potentially contributing to the global hydrogen economy for centuries. Recent exploration in Mali has led to the production of near-pure hydrogen, attracting interest from governments, venture capital investors, and resource companies worldwide. The production of hydrogen from natural sources, including hydrogen and helium, has been estimated to meet global demand for about 200 years. While most current hydrogen production is from fossil fuels, efforts are being made to produce low-carbon (green) hydrogen. Natural hydrogen, with a carbon footprint comparable to or lower than green hydrogen, presents an opportunity to decarbonize industries such as fuel refining, ammonia production, and steel manufacturing. However, regulatory challenges exist in many jurisdictions, hindering investments in natural hydrogen exploration. Clear regulations and incentives are needed to develop strategies for extracting natural hydrogen economically. The current global interest in natural hydrogen was sparked by accidental discoveries in Mali and the publication of historical data from the former Soviet Union. Future policies and regulations are crucial to unlock the potential of natural hydrogen reserves, especially in regions like the U.S., Canada, India, and parts of Africa and Europe. Establishing clear guidelines can expedite exploration projects, create new data, and pave the way for natural hydrogen to play a significant role in the green energy transition.