Quebec Innovative expands phase 1 of drilling in N.S.
Executive Summary
- Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. expands its Phase 1 winter natural hydrogen drilling program in Nova Scotia to >5,000 m, the largest to date, enabled by new INRS geophysical data.
- The company has executed a definitive agreement to sell its 100 % interest in the River Valley silica project to Sila Mining Corp., receiving 6 M Sila common shares (≈$0.20/share), up‑to $500 k cash, a 2 % royalty on future silica sales, and a board seat; closing expected ≤ Jan 16 2026.
- Quebec Innovative will attend the Reuters Energy Live Conference in Houston (Dec 8‑9) to showcase its hydrogen portfolio across four jurisdictions.
Key Details
- Hydrogen Drilling Expansion
- Phase 1 winter program now >5,000 m of drilling in the Advocate‑Cumberland basin corridor, Nova Scotia.
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Expansion driven by INRS gravimetry, tomography and lidar studies that identified new priority targets and refined fault mapping.
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Conference Participation
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Booth at Reuters Energy Live Conference (Houston) on Dec 8‑9, 2026 within the hydrogen & emerging‑energy section.
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River Valley Silica Sale – Transaction Terms
- Buyer: Sila Mining Corp.
- Consideration to Quebec Innovative:
- 6 M common shares of Sila (valued at $0.20 per share).
- Cash up to $500,000.
- 2 % gross sales royalty on all silica products from River Valley.
- Right to nominate one director to Sila’s board.
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Closing deadline: on or before Jan 16 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
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Equity Exposure
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Post‑transaction, Quebec Innovative will hold ~33 % of Sila’s outstanding shares (6 M of ~18 M), providing ongoing upside as the project advances.
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Sila Financing (Related)
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Concurrent $1 M financing at $0.20 per share with participation from insiders and management, indicating confidence in River Valley’s potential.
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River Valley Asset Highlights
- High‑purity quartz: 98.74 % SiO₂.
- Resource (near‑surface): 442,000 m³ quartz; 1.06 Mt tonnage.
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Strategic importance for semiconductors, solar PV, advanced glass/optics, and silicon‑enhanced battery anodes.
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Future Development Plan (Sila)
- 12‑hole staged drilling program to confirm continuity, structural controls, and expansion zones.
- Metallurgical testing to define pathways to high‑purity silica (HPQ) and ultra‑HPQ products.
- Engagement with semiconductor, solar, battery, and advanced materials partners over the next 12‑18 months.
Notable Quotes
- “As the first mover and pioneer of natural hydrogen exploration in Nova Scotia… we are expanding our phase 1 winter drilling program to over 5,000 metres…” – John Karagiannidis, President & CEO, Quebec Innovative.
- “This transaction crystallizes significant value for Quebec Innovative while giving our shareholders exposure to one of the most strategically important silica assets in Canada.” – John Karagiannidis, President & CEO, Quebec Innovative.