MAX Power Mining Reports Record-Breaking Natural Hydrogen Levels at Lawson 2 Commercial Validation Well in Saskatchewan

Lawson 2 Well Yields Strongest Hydrogen Signals in Company History

MAX Power Mining disclosed that drilling at Lawson 2-24, its first commercial validation well, continues to produce natural hydrogen readings exceeding those from the original Lawson 15-19 discovery well, located 2.4 kilometres northeast. The company noted that natural hydrogen readings have been "virtually continuous and gradually increasing" since reaching 1,539 metres measured depth within the Upper Devonian formation, shortly after installing intermediate casing.

The highest natural hydrogen gas detection recorded at Lawson was encountered near a basement complex fracture zone at the current drilling depth. This milestone marks a significant advancement in demonstrating the scale and continuity of the natural hydrogen system. The sustained hydrogen readings over an 831-metre interval suggest subsurface characteristics potentially relevant for commercial evaluation, although specific hydrogen concentration and flow rate data have not yet been disclosed.

Core Recovery and Geological Features of Basement Complex at Lawson 2

Core #1 was concluded at 2,340 metres measured depth, achieving full recovery of approximately 63 metres of material spanning from the Deadwood Formation into the basement complex, which begins around 2,308 metres measured depth. This core provides valuable geological samples for laboratory analysis and interpretation of subsurface conditions.

Mineralogical analysis of drilling chips indicates the presence of mafic minerals such as pyroxene, potassium feldspars, hematite grains, and alteration minerals tentatively identified as epidote and serpentinite. The technical team describes the basement complex as "classic exotic terrane," aligning with the company’s geological model. Drilling is currently paused ahead of Core #2 at 2,370 metres measured depth.

Extended Hydrogen Detection Over 831 Metres Supports Geological Model

The company emphasized that natural hydrogen readings have remained above background levels across a continuous 831-metre interval starting at 1,539 metres measured depth. This extended detection supports the presence of "a large and robust Natural Hydrogen system" at Lawson. Chief Geoscientist Steve Halabura stated, "Natural Hydrogen readings have been more intense than at the original discovery well," with gradual increases in readings suggesting structural or stratigraphic influences.

Additionally, helium "spikes" are more frequent in Lawson 2 than Lawson 1, indicating "a higher density of deeper basement fracturing." These helium anomalies further support the extensive fracture system’s role in natural hydrogen accumulation or migration. However, no quantitative helium data or detailed explanations of helium-hydrogen relationships were provided.

Commercial Validation Program Advances with 2.4-Kilometre Step-Out Well

Lawson 2-24 is the first step-out well in MAX Power’s commercial validation drilling program, located 2.4 kilometres from the original discovery. This spacing tests the lateral extent and continuity of the natural hydrogen system for potential large-scale commercial development. The multi-well program indicates plans for additional wells, though specific locations and timelines remain undisclosed.

Drilling is being extended beyond 2,370 metres after recording the highest natural hydrogen gas readings at Lawson. Management views deeper drilling as critical for gathering novel geological data and expanding understanding of the basement complex. Each additional metre drilled sets a new record for total metres cored into the basement complex.

Upcoming Completions Program and Flow Testing

A completions program is planned following casing of Lawson 2 to obtain "key metrics around flow, volume, and concentrations" essential for assessing commercial viability. No specific timeline or testing schedule has been announced.

Chief Geoscientist Halabura remarked, "A completions program after casing of this well will give us the key metrics around flow, volume, and concentrations, as we strive toward commerciality at Lawson." Details on testing methods or threshold values for commercial assessment were not disclosed.

Independent Third-Party Review by GLJ Ltd.

MAX Power confirmed that GLJ Ltd., a respected reservoir and resource evaluator, will conduct an independent review of results from the Lawson commercial validation drill program. This evaluation aims to ensure that "Canada's first-ever Natural Hydrogen subsurface system is independently evaluated to the highest industry standards." The engagement was initially announced on April 30, 2026, though specifics on scope, terms, and timeline remain undisclosed.

Independent review is standard in resource development to enhance credibility with investors and stakeholders. The announcement does not clarify whether GLJ’s assessment will cover all Lawson data, focus solely on Lawson 2, or include both well sites.

Lawson Project Land Position and Genesis Trend Overview

MAX Power highlighted that Lawson Complex #1 is Canada’s first confirmed natural hydrogen subsurface system, covering a 28 square-kilometre area within a larger 1,224 square-kilometre permitted land package. The company suggests multiple Lawson Complexes may exist within this extensive, under-explored project area.

The recently acquired Aurora Project, spanning 628 square kilometres adjacent to the southeast corner of Lawson, may represent additional complexes with similar characteristics. Aurora benefits from proximity to major highways, rail corridors, heavy industry, and emerging AI infrastructure. Combined, Lawson and Aurora provide MAX Power with contiguous permits covering a 90-kilometre northwest-southeast strike totaling 1,852 square kilometres. The company also holds multiple other permitted projects along the Genesis Trend, reinforcing its dominant position in Canada’s leading natural hydrogen corridor.

Saskatchewan Regulatory Environment and Commercial Development Outlook

CEO Ran Narayanasamy stated, "Saskatchewan is once again demonstrating why it's one of the world's premier resource jurisdictions – the geology is incredible, and we have the policy framework for Natural Hydrogen to lead the world in this rapidly emerging new clean energy industry focused on delivering a new primary energy source. There is a quick and predictable path forward in Saskatchewan for the world's first potential large-scale commercialization of Natural Hydrogen." This reflects management’s confidence in the provincial regulatory support for advancing from exploration to commercial development.

The announcement does not specify regulatory approvals, permitting timelines, or infrastructure needs required for commercial production at Lawson or elsewhere in the Genesis Trend. No details on industrial partnerships, offtake agreements, or commercial frameworks were provided.

Geological Insights and Basement Fracture System

Chief Geoscientist Halabura commented, "We are indeed witnessing Natural Hydrogen history being made again at Lawson in the heart of Saskatchewan's Genesis Trend, which immediately helps de-risk our current program. What we're seeing in this first step-out well is extremely exciting. We're in uncharted territory, so it'll be fascinating to see what we encounter as we deepen the well beyond this Natural Hydrogen-rich fracture zone at 2,370 meters." This underscores the association of hydrogen with basement fracture systems and the potential for further discoveries at greater depths.

Basement complex mineralogy—including mafic minerals, feldspars, hematite, and alteration minerals—aligns with the company’s pre-drill geological model. The increased helium spike frequency in Lawson 2 suggests a denser fracture network compared to the original well. These findings support the hypothesis that natural hydrogen is linked to deep basement fracture systems, though mechanisms of hydrogen generation or migration remain unaddressed.

Company Land Holdings and Strategic Equity Interests

MAX Power holds approximately 2 million acres (about 809,000 hectares) of exploration permits across Saskatchewan targeting natural hydrogen. The company also maintains a significant equity stake in Homeland Critical Minerals, owner of the Willcox Project in Arizona—a lithium discovery confirmed by MAX Power in early 2024. Details on ownership percentage, project status, or strategic alignment were not disclosed.

The company emphasizes commitment to "responsible exploration and development practices prioritizing environmental stewardship, meaningful community engagement, and strong corporate governance." However, no specific environmental, community, or governance initiatives related to the Lawson program or Genesis Trend operations were detailed in this release.