Vertical Structural Continuity Emerging in DDH-26-01Nova Scotia Introduces Purpose-Built Natural Hydrogen LegislationMontreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 26, 2026) - Québec Innovative Materials Corp.  (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC" or the "Company") reports that drill hole DDH-26-01 has intersected a second hydrogen-associated structural zone at approximately 313 metres depth at its West Advocate Project, Nova Scotia. This interval from approximately 313 metres to 330 metres depth is ...

Core Insights - MAX Power Mining Corp. is advancing its Natural Hydrogen exploration in Saskatchewan, with a confirmed discovery at Lawson and plans for drilling at the Bracken well, indicating a scalable and repeatable geological model for Natural Hydrogen across the region [2][11]. Exploration and Development - The Bracken well is set to commence drilling in February 2026, representing a second play concept for Natural Hydrogen, distinct from the successful structural play at Lawson [1][4]. - The geological team believes that Natural Hydrogen systems in Saskatchewan can be replicated across multiple trends, enhancing the potential for commercialization [2][11]. - MAX Power has acquired proprietary 2D seismic data to delineate a robust drill target at Bracken, which will test a stratigraphic play concept [6][7]. Strategic Positioning - The Grasslands Project, where Bracken is located, is part of a larger exploration fairway, with significant potential for multiple Natural Hydrogen discoveries, including helium [7][8]. - The company holds the largest permitted land package in Saskatchewan for Natural Hydrogen, covering approximately 1.3 million acres (521,000 hectares) [22]. Technological Integration - MAX Power is utilizing its proprietary AI-assisted Large Earth Model Integration (LEMI) platform to optimize exploration and target selection for Natural Hydrogen [7][8]. - The integration of new seismic data with existing geological information is expected to enhance the understanding of subsurface structures critical for Natural Hydrogen accumulation [7]. Commercialization Efforts - The timeline for exploration and potential commercialization of Natural Hydrogen is significantly shorter compared to traditional mineral projects, with a focus on quickly unlocking low-carbon energy resources [4][11]. - Success at Bracken could de-risk additional prospects and support the advancement of a growing inventory of follow-up targets across Saskatchewan [8][11].

Core Insights - MAX Power Mining Corp. has confirmed Canada's first subsurface Natural Hydrogen system with the successful drilling of the Lawson well in Saskatchewan, marking a significant milestone for the company and the country in the clean energy sector [3][30]. Company Developments - The Lawson well, located near Central Butte, Saskatchewan, demonstrated hydrogen concentrations up to 286,000 ppm (28.6% H₂) and free gas flow to the surface, indicating a potentially large reservoir [7][14]. - The discovery supports the geological model for Natural Hydrogen accumulations and allows for scalability across the Genesis Trend, which spans 475 km [5][12]. - MAX Power plans to advance the Lawson discovery towards commercial evaluation through resource modeling, a 3D seismic survey, and stakeholder engagement with industrial users [10][19]. Industry Context - Saskatchewan is positioned as a leader in the emerging clean energy industry, with a strong policy framework for Natural Hydrogen and existing infrastructure for hydrogen demand [4][6]. - The Genesis Trend is adjacent to significant potash reserves and is believed to have geological features conducive to Natural Hydrogen accumulation, enhancing the region's potential for clean energy development [6][12]. Future Steps - MAX Power is set to conduct a confirmatory well and a 3D seismic survey to further evaluate the commercial viability of the Lawson discovery, with activities planned for early 2026 [10][19]. - The company is integrating data from the Lawson well into its AI-assisted Large Earth Model for Natural Hydrogen exploration, aiming to optimize future discoveries [8][10]. Financial and Strategic Position - MAX Power has secured strong financial backing and is entering into marketing agreements to enhance investor awareness and support its growth in the Natural Hydrogen sector [20][21].

Group 1 - Naughty Ventures Corp. has completed the sale of its hydrogen-related assets in Quebec and Ontario to Rev Exploration Corp. [2] - In exchange for the assets, Naughty Ventures received 500,000 common shares of Rev Exploration Corp. [2] - The CEO of Naughty Ventures expressed confidence that Rev Exploration is well positioned to advance the hydrogen assets due to its expertise in the sector [2] Group 2 - The transaction allows Naughty Ventures to maintain equity exposure to the hydrogen project while focusing on other projects and strategic transactions [2] - No finder's fees were paid in connection with the transaction [3] - Naughty Ventures is a Canadian venture investment and mineral exploration company focused on early-stage mineral projects with significant discovery potential [4]

Core Insights - Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. (QMET) is advancing its exploration activities in hydrogen-focused projects in Apple River and Springhill, Nova Scotia, in collaboration with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) [1][2] Exploration Activities - Recent regional staking activity by Koloma, a global hydrogen player, has occurred around QMET's properties, indicating growing interest in the natural hydrogen landscape of Nova Scotia [2][3] - QMET's CEO highlighted that the new staking activity provides external validation of their geological model, reinforcing the scientific basis for their exploration efforts [3] Geological Findings - Ongoing fieldwork has confirmed consistent hydrogen degassing across seasons, supporting the company's exploration thesis regarding active subsurface gas systems [4][5] - The correlation between fault-controlled structures, hydrogen anomalies, and radon/thoron signatures suggests a robust geological environment conducive to natural hydrogen generation [4][7] Upcoming Drilling Program - QIMC is finalizing drill hole locations for QMET's Winter Drilling Program in the Springhill region, aimed at testing priority subsurface targets [5][6] - Details on planned collar locations and drill sequencing will be released following QIMC's technical review [6] Company Overview - QMET is a Canadian natural resource exploration company with projects targeting critical and precious metals, as well as Clean Natural White Hydrogen [7][9] - The company has reported strong and persistent hydrogen anomalies, elevated radon and thoron values, and repeatability of hydrogen readings, confirming ongoing gas flows and active degassing [7][8]

Core Insights - The State of Minnesota has awarded two RGRAs to Orvian Resources I LLC, a U.S. special purpose vehicle of Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC), in partnership with Black Tree Energy Group, to advance natural hydrogen exploration and development [2][3] - This initiative positions Minnesota as a leader in clean, natural hydrogen innovation and marks a significant step towards sustainable energy development in the U.S. [2][3] - QIMC's proprietary methodology and successful track record in natural hydrogen exploration were key factors in securing these RGRAs [2][3] Company Overview - QIMC is focused on exploring and developing natural hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits across North America, with properties in Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, and Minnesota [14] - The company emphasizes sustainable practices and innovation, aiming to contribute to clean energy solutions and local economic development [11][14] Exploration and Development - The awarded RGRAs cover approximately 72 square miles in St. Louis County, within the Mesabi Iron Range, an area known for its geological potential for natural hydrogen [2][3] - QIMC's exploration methodologies have successfully identified district-scale natural hydrogen discoveries in various jurisdictions, demonstrating the effectiveness of its integrated geophysical and geochemical approaches [3][11] Strategic Partnerships - The collaboration with Black Tree Energy Group is aimed at delivering responsible development and clean energy solutions, benefiting Minnesota communities [5][15] - The partnership is expected to leverage QIMC's expertise in natural hydrogen exploration to replicate and scale successful initiatives across the U.S. [16] Geological Context - The northern Minnesota region is recognized for its favorable geological conditions for natural hydrogen exploration, particularly due to its iron and manganese resources [7][8] - The exploration permits are located in faulted and folded Proterozoic terrains, which are rich in iron formations conducive to hydrogen production [8][7] Future Outlook - QIMC plans to attend the Reuters Houston Live Energy Conference to brief strategic investors on its clean natural hydrogen platform and ongoing exploration efforts [12][13] - The company aims to systematically expand its U.S. portfolio, highlighting the strategic importance of the newly awarded Minnesota RGRAs for long-term growth [12][13]

Core Insights - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) has confirmed a fourth major natural hydrogen zone in Nova Scotia, with a peak soil-gas concentration of 4,850 ppm, indicating significant potential for hydrogen accumulation in the region [1][2][3] Geological Context - The newly identified hydrogen zone is located in the Little Forks-Springhill area, characterized by a 2 km continuous anomaly along the Windsor-Cumberland Fault, which is conducive to hydrogen accumulation due to its geological features [1][4] - The exploration site is approximately 20 km NE of the Southampton area, known for its historical coal mining and geothermal resources [5] - The geological complexity of the Little Forks-Springhill area includes NE-SW and E-W faults intersecting carbonaceous rocks, which may facilitate hydrogen migration from deep sources due to a high geothermal gradient [6][8] Analytical Results - The analytical program yielded over 24 readings above 500 ppm, with four results between 1,500-1,999 ppm and two results between 2,000-2,999 ppm, confirming the strength and extent of the hydrogen anomaly [2][3] - The mean and median hydrogen concentrations in the soils showed significant variability, with the maximum concentration recorded at 4,850 ppm in the Little Fork section [17][18] Development Plans - QIMC plans to return to Nova Scotia on October 5, 2025, to initiate the next phases of development, focusing on establishing a clean ammonia production hub supported by the identified hydrogen corridors [4][3]

Core Insights - York Harbour Metals Inc. has entered into a mineral property purchase agreement to acquire a portfolio of hydrogen assets in Ontario and Quebec, positioning itself in the emerging "white hydrogen" exploration cycle [1][2][6] Company Overview - York Harbour Metals is focused on acquiring and developing mineral assets with strong value potential, maintaining significant equity in Firetail Resources Limited and holding interests in other projects [15] Hydrogen Exploration - Natural hydrogen is recognized as a transformative resource in the global decarbonization shift, with geological formations providing a clean, renewable source [2][6] - The acquisition includes three strategic hydrogen projects totaling over 36,000 hectares, enhancing York Harbour's relevance in the hydrogen sector [7][9] Investment Drivers - Key factors driving investment in hydrogen exploration include global policy support for hydrogen in net-zero strategies, industrial adoption in sectors like steelmaking and heavy transport, and exploration momentum in regions like Canada, Australia, and the U.S. [6][3] Transaction Details - The acquisition involves a payment of $100,000 in cash and the issuance of 800,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.085 per share, with a four-month hold period [10][13] - The seller is a private exploration company, and the transaction is subject to necessary consents and approvals [14]

Core Viewpoint - MAX Power Mining Corp. has secured a $5 million investment from a Southeast Asian conglomerate to support its natural hydrogen exploration efforts in Saskatchewan, marking a significant step towards the potential commercialization of natural hydrogen [3][5]. Investment Details - The investment will provide the Corporate Investor with approximately 16% non-diluted ownership in MAX Power, based on the current share structure, through the purchase of units at $0.30 each [3][4]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of a share purchase warrant, with full warrants allowing the investor to acquire additional shares at $0.45 for 24 months [5]. Strategic Implications - The investment is seen as a validation of MAX Power's vision and aligns the company with a partner that recognizes the potential of the natural hydrogen sector [5]. - The company plans to initiate Canada's first deep drill program targeting natural hydrogen in the upcoming quarter [5]. Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be allocated to the natural hydrogen drill program in Saskatchewan, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes [8]. Regulatory Considerations - The closing of the offering is contingent upon receiving necessary corporate, regulatory, and shareholder approvals, including from the Canadian Securities Exchange [8].

Core Insights - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) has confirmed the discovery of a third major clean hydrogen zone in Nova Scotia, with soil-gas results showing concentrations up to 4,125 ppm, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][2][3] Group 1: Discovery and Geological Context - The latest discovery includes 23 samples above 500 ppm hydrogen, with 8 samples exceeding 1,000 ppm, indicating the Cumberland Basin's potential as a leading natural hydrogen district in North America [2][3] - Geological analysis reveals that the Southampton area has distinct geomorphological and geological characteristics compared to other regions, which is crucial for understanding hydrogen migration and accumulation [5][6] - The highest hydrogen concentrations were found over the Carboniferous Ragged Reef Formation, suggesting a strong association between geological formations and hydrogen presence [10][12] Group 2: Exploration and Development Plans - QIMC is expanding its Phase 2 and Phase 3 exploration programs in the confirmed hydrogen zones, indicating a proactive approach to capitalize on the discoveries [3] - The company is also evaluating the integration of ammonia production into its model, leveraging existing infrastructure in Nova Scotia [4] - Seismic data integration has been emphasized as critical for understanding the basin's geometry and the role of fault systems in facilitating hydrogen migration [9][10] Group 3: Technical and Analytical Insights - The soil-gas surveys conducted in Southampton and East-Southampton areas collected a total of 318 samples, with varying hydrogen concentrations, underscoring the area's potential for hydrogen exploration [20][21] - The structural controls and basin setting indicate that the hydrogen anomalies are influenced by a regional fault system, which may enhance the upward movement of hydrogen to surface soils [9][11] - The geological and structural framework suggests that hydrogen formation may result from groundwater infiltration and reactions with igneous rocks, supported by the high geothermal gradient of the Cumberland Basin [12][10]