Quebec Innovative SPV Orvian awarded Minnesota RGRAs

Executive Summary

• Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) announced that its U.S. special purpose vehicle, Orvian Resources I LLC, in partnership with Black Tree Energy Group, has been awarded two Rare Ground Rights Agreements (RGRAs) by the State of Minnesota.
• The RGRAs secure exploration rights over two townships in St. Louis County within the Mesabi Iron Range, covering approximately 72 square miles of geologically prospective terrain for natural hydrogen.
• The award validates QIMC’s proprietary, field-proven hydrogen-targeting methodology and positions the company to expand its natural hydrogen exploration portfolio in a region recognized for its subsurface energy potential.

Key Details

• Awarded Entities: Orvian Resources I LLC (QIMC’s U.S. SPV) and Black Tree Energy Group.
• Granting Authority: State of Minnesota (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources).
• Asset Type: Two Rare Ground Rights Agreements (RGRAs).
• Location: St. Louis County, Minnesota, within the Mesabi Iron Range.
• Land Area: Approximately 72 square miles (two townships).
• Geological Context: The area is characterized by faulted and folded Proterozoic terrains rich in Precambrian iron formations (BIF type), containing magnetite and Fe-rich silicates (e.g., minnesotaite). The terrain is located near the contact with the Duluth intrusive complex (Mid Continent rift system).
• Technical Basis for Selection: The selection was based on mechanisms of hydrogen production from iron-rich sedimentary rocks, considering mineralogy, geothermal gradient, rock deformation intensity, groundwater dynamics, and reactivated faults.
• Methodology: QIMC utilized its proprietary, district-scale, fault-driven geophysical and geochemical approach, supported by data from previous discoveries in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
• Strategic Partnership: Black Tree Energy Group is a strategic partner in the Orvian venture, with CEO Jorge Ruiz del Vizo citing the collaboration as a key driver for delivering clean energy solutions and economic benefits to Minnesota.
• Upcoming Activity: QIMC and Orvian will attend the Reuters Houston Live Energy Conference on December 8–9, 2025, to brief investors on the Minnesota RGRAs and updates on drilling/geophysical programs in Nova Scotia.

Notable Quotes

• John Karagiannidis, CEO of Quebec Innovative: "The State of Minnesota's decision to award two RGRAs to Orvian reflects QIMC's demonstrated technical leadership, proven exploration success and commitment to responsible resource development... Minnesota's confidence in our capabilities underscores the emergence of natural hydrogen as a strategic energy resource and recognizes QIMC's leadership in advancing this new clean renewable natural energy frontier."
• Prof. Marc Richer-Lafleche: "This acquisition of natural hydrogen exploration permits on Minnesota's public lands is the result of a comprehensive strategy to evaluate sites with high hydrogen potential in North America... The Northern Minnesota territory is rich in favourable geological contexts for natural hydrogen exploration."