QIMC Identifies Second Hydrogen-Associated Structural Zone at 313m, Supporting Multi-Zone H2 System at West Advocate in Nova Scotia

Executive Summary

• Drill hole DDH‑26‑01 intersected a second hydrogen‑associated structural zone between ~313 m and 330 m depth, confirming multi‑zone, structurally controlled natural hydrogen at the West Advocate Project, Nova Scotia.
• The discovery supports QIMC’s geological model of a vertically continuous natural hydrogen system and underpins the planned five‑hole 2026 drill program targeting additional structural corridors.
• Introduction of Nova Scotia’s “Powering the Economy Act” (Bill No. 193) provides a regulatory framework for natural hydrogen, enhancing investment certainty and long‑term planning for QIMC’s exploration activities.

Key Details

• Second Hydrogen Zone: Intercepted at ~313 m–330 m depth; distinct from earlier 40‑m fault corridor (142 m–191 m).
• Depth Target: DDH‑26‑01 continues drilling toward a total planned depth of 650 m.
• Geochemical Observations (313 m):
• Elevated H₂ concentrations detected.
• O₂ depleted relative to atmospheric levels.
• No CH₄ detected.
• Structural Description: Three brecciated shear zones within the second fault zone, progressively more altered with increasing depth; highest measured hydrogen gas values in the middle and lower shear zones (0.5–1 m thick).
• Host Rock Alteration: Progressive recrystallization from siltstone/mudstone to porcelain‑like units; color change indicating increased hydrothermal alteration.
• Interpretation: White native hydrogen generated at lower crustal levels by magmatic degassing, transported via advective hydrothermal fluids into fault‑related shear structures; low methane supports a non‑hydrocarbon source.
• Regulatory Context: Nova Scotia’s proposed “Powering the Economy Act” (Bill No. 193) creates a dedicated regulatory regime for natural hydrogen as a subsurface energy resource, providing clarity for multi‑well exploration strategies.
• 2026 Drill Program – Five‑Hole Campaign:
• Hole 1 (DDH‑26‑01): Continuing to 650 m.
• Hole 2 (DDH‑26‑02): Same pad, N297° azimuth, 55° plunge, NW orientation.
• Hole 3 (DDH‑26‑03): Eatonville Road area, Reid Line, target depth 700 m.
• Holes 4 & 5 (DDH‑26‑04/05): Bennett Hill targets to test broader regional structural hydrogen corridor.
• CEO Comment: John Karagiannidis highlighted that the second zone strengthens the multi‑zone model and praised Nova Scotia’s regulatory certainty for supporting systematic exploration.
• Project Geologist Comment: Edward Procyshyn detailed the progressive shear‑zone alteration, hydrothermal mineralization, and the implication of mantle plume‑driven degassing as the hydrogen source.

Notable Quotes

“Intersecting a second hydrogen-associated structural zone at 320 metres … significantly strengthens our geological interpretation of West Advocate as a structurally controlled, multi‑zone system.” – John Karagiannidis, President & CEO

“The progressive hydrothermal alteration of this structural fault shear zone supports the model that white native hydrogen is being increasingly generated at lower crustal levels by degassing of a magmatic system…” – Edward Procyshyn, Project Geologist