QIMC Completes 711 Metre Discovery Hole DDH-26-01 at West-Advocate, Nova Scotia: Hydrogen System Confirmed at Depth

Core Insights - The completion of Discovery Hole DDH-26-01 at the West-Advocate hydrogen project has confirmed the presence of a persistent hydrogen-bearing system starting at approximately 505 meters depth, with visible gas bubbles observed at the drill head [1][7][26] - The hydrogen concentrations recorded exceeded the detection limits of the GA5000 gas analyzer on multiple intervals, indicating a significant hydrogen resource that current instruments cannot fully characterize [2][21] - The findings position the company as a leader in the natural hydrogen exploration sector, with independent validation from a prominent geochemical institution [4][22] Drilling and Sampling Details - Drilling of Hole 2 is currently underway, targeting structural zones similar to those identified in DDH-26-01, with ongoing gas monitoring and water sampling [5][30] - Water sampling methodology involved collecting samples from the wellhead, with analyses conducted using standard headspace gas measurements [6] - The sampling period for headspace gas ranged from depths of 368 m to 710 m, conducted between February 25 and March 5, 2026 [6] Hydrogen Concentration Findings - At 638 meters, gas bubbles were observed, confirming the presence of free hydrogen escaping the formation [7] - Sustained hydrogen concentrations were recorded from 505 m to 680 m, with independent verification confirming concentrations of 2,150 ppmV in diluted wellhead water [8][27] - The deepest section drilled (683 m to 711 m) maintained active hydrogen readings, indicating a continuous hydrogen system [9][20] Methane and CO₂ Analysis - Methane was recorded at concentrations below detection limits in 97.3% of samples, indicating a hydrogen-dominant gas system with no thermogenic hydrocarbon association [10][11] - CO₂ levels were also low, with 97.3% of samples showing only 0.1% by volume, further supporting the presence of a pure inorganic hydrogen source [11] Dilution Factors and Implications - The dilution factors for the hydrogen measurements are estimated to range from 100 to 10,000 times, meaning surface measurements represent only a fraction of the true hydrogen concentrations at depth [12][18] - The confirmed 2,150 ppmV surface measurement suggests potential in-situ formation concentrations exceeding approximately 215,000 ppmV, indicating a significant hydrogen resource [15][19] Geological Context - The geological characteristics of the drill cores from 570 m to 680 m support the gas data, indicating active structural pathways for hydrogen migration [29] - The findings validate the exploration model applied by the company for targeting natural hydrogen along the Cobequid-Minas Fault Zone [23] Future Steps - The company plans to continue drilling with Hole 2, targeting deeper portions of the interpreted structural system, alongside ongoing gas geochemistry analysis and isotopic studies [30]