Element One CEO Kitchen looks back at 2025

Executive Summary

• Element One Hydrogen and Critical Minerals Corp. released a 2025 year-end corporate update highlighting its position as a first-mover in the emerging natural (geologic) hydrogen sector, alongside its critical mineral exploration activities.
• The company acquired two significant assets in late 2025: the HY project and the Shulaps project in British Columbia, described as ultramafic systems favorable for hydrogen generation with infrastructure access.
• Management outlines 2026 as a "defining year" with key catalysts including potential initial revenue from the Union Bay joint venture, technical validation of hydrogen projects in Alaska and BC, and the advancement of proprietary hardrock hydrogen extraction technology.

Key Details

• Strategic Focus: The company positions itself at the intersection of natural hydrogen and critical minerals, operating across three hydrogen pathways: hardrock stimulation/extraction, repurposing legacy oil and gas wells, and hydrogen accumulation systems.
• Economic Potential: Management claims natural hydrogen could be produced for $0.51–$0.75 USD per kilogram, significantly lower than fossil fuels (~$3.65/gallon gasoline equivalent) and green hydrogen (> $7/kg).
• Asset Acquisitions:
  • Acquired the HY project in late 2025.
  • Acquired the Shulaps project in late 2025.
  • Both are located in British Columbia and are characterized as ultramafic systems with favorable geological conditions for hydrogen generation.
• Corporate Structure & Ownership:
  • 36 million shares issued and outstanding.
  • Approximately 80% owned by management and key long-term investors, creating perceived scarcity.
• Management Changes:
  • Added Tim Johnson as COO.
  • Added Allegra Hosford Scheirer as chief geological consultant.
  • Dr. Greeshma Gadikota (Columbia University professor) serves as key researcher for proprietary hardrock hydrogen and critical mineral extraction technologies.
• 2026 Catalysts & Milestones:
  • Revenue: Potential initial revenue generation through the Union Bay joint venture, marking a transition to cash-flowing operations.
  • Technical Validation: Data updates expected from Alaska and British Columbia hydrogen projects (including HY and Shulaps).
  • Partnerships: Potential joint ventures or strategic partnerships to reduce capital risk.
  • Industry Context: Noted major developments in 2025 including first wells in Canada, ongoing drilling in Australia and Kansas, and successful stimulated hydrogen tests in Oman.
• Existing Assets: The company also holds the Foggy Mountain critical mineral project and other projects in Alaska and British Columbia prospective for hydrogen and battery metals.

Notable Quotes

• "As we close out 2025, I believe Element One Hydrogen and Critical Minerals Corp. is standing at the edge of a breakout moment -- one that very few investors have yet recognized." — Brad Kitchen, CEO
• "That is not incremental improvement -- that is step-change economics." — Brad Kitchen, CEO (regarding hydrogen cost potential)
• "What truly separates Element One is that we are not a single-path story. We are active across three major forms of natural hydrogen... while also maintaining a portfolio of critical minerals assets that provides additional upside and optionality." — Brad Kitchen, CEO