QIMC's U.S. SPV, Orvian, Awarded Two RGRAs from the State of Minnesota to Advance Next-Generation Natural Hydrogen Exploration and Development in the State

Executive Summary

• The State of Minnesota awarded two Renewable Geothermal Resource Areas (RGRAs) to Orvian Resources I LLC, the U.S. special‑purpose vehicle of Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC), in partnership with Black Tree Energy Group.
• The permits cover ~72 sq mi across two townships in St. Louis County, Mesabi Iron Range, adding a significant natural hydrogen exploration portfolio in the United States.
• QIMC will highlight the new Minnesota RGRAs at the Reuters Houston Live Energy Conference (Dec 8‑9, 2025) and plans to advance drilling and geophysical programs in the region.

Key Details

• Permit Scope: Two RGRAs granting exploration rights over roughly 72 square miles of highly prospective terrain in the Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota.
• Strategic Vehicle: Orvian Resources I LLC (U.S. SPV) jointly owned by QIMC and Black Tree Energy Group.
• Geological Context: Targets faulted/folded Proterozoic iron formations and proximity to the Duluth Intrusive Complex; focus on magnetite‑rich BIFs capable of generating natural hydrogen at shallow depths.
• Exploration Methodology: QIMC’s proprietary, field‑proven hydrogen‑targeting approach combining geophysical, geochemical, and fault‑driven analysis, previously successful in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
• Value Accretion: The Minnesota permits represent a “meaningful addition” to QIMC’s portfolio and are expected to be value‑accretive given the corridor’s favorable geology.
• Partnership Statements:
• CEO John Karagiannidis emphasized technical leadership, responsible development, and the strategic importance of natural hydrogen as a clean energy resource.
• Black Tree Energy Group senior partner Jorge Ruiz del Vizo highlighted the partnership’s role in advancing U.S. natural hydrogen development.
• Scientific Commentary: Prof. Marc Richer‑Laflèche detailed the mineralogical and geothermal factors that make the Mesabi Iron Range conducive to natural hydrogen generation.
• Media Coverage: Recent feature in the Minnesota Star Tribune underscoring growing interest in the state’s hydrogen potential.
• Upcoming Investor Outreach: QIMC and Orvian will attend the Reuters Houston Live Energy Conference (Dec 8‑9, 2025) to brief strategic investors on the Minnesota RGRAs and ongoing exploration programs.

Notable Quotes

“The State of Minnesota's decision to award two RGRAs to Orvian reflects QIMC's demonstrated technical leadership… Minnesota’s confidence in our capabilities underscores the emergence of natural hydrogen as a strategic energy resource.” – John Karagiannidis, CEO, QIMC

“We are delighted by this significant achievement and milestone… Black Tree Energy Group remains fully committed to deliver a responsible development that will deliver clean energy solutions and lasting economic benefits to Minnesota communities.” – Jorge Ruiz del Vizo, Senior Partner & CEO, Black Tree Energy Group