Primary Hydrogen Completes Initial Soil Sampling, Engages Contractors and Sets October 1 Drill Start at Wicheeda North
Primary Hydrogen advances its Wicheeda North drill program to October after securing funding for maiden rare earth element testing.
Primary Hydrogen Corp. (HDRO) has confirmed the completion of Phase 1 soil sampling at its Wicheeda North rare earth element (REE) project in British Columbia. The company has engaged contractor Radius Drilling Corp. for a maiden drilling program of approximately 1,500 metres, scheduled to commence on October 1, 2026.
To ensure completion within the 2026 field season, Primary Hydrogen is proceeding with drilling before receiving Phase 2 soil assay results, utilizing existing geophysical and geochemical data to site initial holes. Concurrently, an airborne radiometric survey with Precision GeoSurveys Inc. is underway to measure natural gamma radiation and vector targets toward buried carbonatite-related REE mineralization.
The 2026 program is fully funded from existing treasury proceeds, eliminating immediate dilution risk for this phase. The property is covered by a Mines Act permit expiring in 2031, authorizing surface drilling at up to 70 sites.
Primary Hydrogen Corp. (HDRO) issued an operational update on September 4, serving as a direct follow-up to its August 10, 2026 announcement. The update confirms execution timelines and the selection of contractors for the company’s maiden drilling program. Proceeding with drilling prior to the receipt of final assay results is a standard field tactic designed to maximize the exploration season.
The announcement introduces no new financial, strategic, or geological surprises. The company’s fully funded status provides a minor positive by extending its cash runway for this specific program. Despite these operational developments, market reaction was negative, with the stock dropping from $2.52 on August 31 to $1.15 by September 4.
Primary Hydrogen Corp. (HDRO) is an early-stage exploration company focused on natural hydrogen (H₂) and rare earth elements (REE) across North America. Its flagship project is the Wicheeda North property in British Columbia, which covers 2,138 hectares under a 75% earn-in option. The site targets REE mineralization near Defense Metals' Wicheeda deposit, with maiden drilling planned for Fall 2026.
The company is expanding its portfolio into natural hydrogen through staked projects in Nova Scotia (Cumberland Basin), Ontario (Seagull North), Newfoundland & Labrador, and Colorado. Management includes David Jackson, who was appointed CEO in July 2026, and Christopher Longton, who serves as VP Exploration and Qualified Person. The company is currently in the greenfield exploration stage, with no drilling or resources reported to date on most of its properties.