MAX Power Mining Reports Record Natural Hydrogen Levels at Lawson 2-24 Well in Saskatchewan

Lawson 2-24 Drilling Advances Confirm Extensive Natural Hydrogen System

On 27 July 2026, MAX Power Mining announced that drilling at Lawson 2-24 has progressed to 2,370 metres measured depth, where a Natural Hydrogen-rich fracture zone in the basement complex was encountered before pausing for Core #2. The company highlighted that Natural Hydrogen readings have intensified compared to the original Lawson 15-19 well, located 2.4 kilometres northeast, remaining consistently above background levels since reaching the Upper Devonian formation at approximately 1,539 metres. This sustained detection over an 831-metre vertical interval significantly expands the known Natural Hydrogen-bearing zones within the Lawson Complex.

Core #1, terminating at 2,340 metres, recovered approximately 63 metres of material with 100% recovery spanning the transition from the Deadwood Formation into the basement complex starting near 2,308 metres. The intact core provides direct geological evidence of subsurface conditions. Sleeve-end chips indicate mafic minerals including pyroxene, potassium feldspars, hematite grains, and alteration minerals tentatively identified as epidote and serpentinite, aligning with the technical model of an exotic terrane basement complex. The company noted more frequent helium "spikes" at Lawson 2 compared to Lawson 1, suggesting denser deep basement fracturing and broader fluid migration pathways.

Natural Hydrogen Levels Surpass Original Discovery Well Benchmarks

The announcement emphasizes that Natural Hydrogen readings at Lawson 2 have exceeded those at the original discovery well, with continuous detection beginning shortly after intermediate casing was set at 1,539 metres in the Upper Devonian and progressively increasing toward the basement complex. This pattern over more than 831 metres supports the hypothesis of a large, robust Natural Hydrogen system rather than isolated accumulations. The highest readings were recorded at the basement complex fracture zone at 2,370 metres, prompting plans to extend drilling deeper after coring.

The persistent and intensifying signal contrasts with the profile at Lawson 15-19, indicating that the validation well intersected a geologically productive zone with significant fluid flow potential. Chief Geoscientist Steve Halabura described the findings as "Natural Hydrogen history being made again at Lawson," noting the company is operating in "uncharted territory" as drilling continues beyond 2,370 metres. Each additional metre sets a new record for basement complex coring, generating data to inform the upcoming completions program measuring flow, volume, and concentration metrics critical for commercial viability.

Basement Complex Mineralogy and Fracture Density Indicate Commercial Viability

Core samples from Lawson 2 reveal a mineral assemblage including pyroxene, potassium feldspars, hematite grains, and tentatively identified epidote and serpentinite, consistent with metamorphic basement rocks that typically serve as fluid migration pathways and potential Natural Hydrogen generation zones. The presence of these minerals, combined with multiple helium spikes indicating discrete fracture pathways, suggests the basement complex has the structural and mineralogical properties needed to host and transmit fluids at significant volumes. MAX Power's exotic terrane model proposes this basement geometry provides the permeability architecture to sustain a large-scale Natural Hydrogen system.

The higher helium spike density at Lawson 2 compared to Lawson 1 implies greater fracture density and more robust migration pathways for Natural Hydrogen from source to trap. Helium, a proxy for deep mantle degassing and basement fluid activity, suggests the system extends beyond the original discovery footprint with increased structural complexity. This supports MAX Power's assertion that the 28-square-kilometre Lawson Complex within the 1,224-square-kilometre Lawson Project may be the first of multiple accumulations, with additional complexes potentially within the adjacent 628-square-kilometre Aurora Project.

Commercial Validation Program and Independent Assessment

The Lawson 2-24 well is the initial phase of a multi-well commercial validation program aimed at confirming whether Canada’s first verified Natural Hydrogen subsurface system can support commercial-scale production. Results will undergo independent review by GLJ Ltd. to ensure adherence to industry standards, as noted in a prior company release dated 30 April 2026. This independent validation is standard for advancing resource discoveries toward commerciality.

Following drilling and core analysis, MAX Power plans a completions program to measure flow rate, volume, and Natural Hydrogen concentration—key metrics for assessing reservoir productivity and economic viability. While specific timelines for completions and future drilling phases remain undisclosed, further drilling and data evaluation are expected in the coming weeks.

Strategic Land Holdings Along Saskatchewan’s Genesis Trend

MAX Power holds permits covering roughly 2 million acres (approximately 809,000 hectares) across Saskatchewan, focusing on the 475-kilometre Genesis Trend. The Lawson Project spans 1,224 square kilometres, featuring the confirmed 28-square-kilometre Lawson Complex #1 Natural Hydrogen discovery. Multiple Lawson Complexes may exist within this larger area. The adjacent Aurora Project covers 628 square kilometres adjoining the Lawson Project’s southeast corner and exhibits "many Lawson look-a-like features," suggesting multiple Natural Hydrogen systems might be present.

Together, Lawson and Aurora form a contiguous 90-kilometre-long permitted area totaling 1,852 square kilometres, positioned along a major highway and rail corridor near heavy industry and emerging AI infrastructure. This location may facilitate future development and commercialization of Natural Hydrogen discoveries. MAX Power also holds additional permits along the Genesis Trend, positioning the company as a leading player in Canada’s premier corridor for Natural Hydrogen exploration and development.

Advancing from Discovery to Commercial Validation

The Lawson 2 drilling campaign marks a critical milestone in the Natural Hydrogen industry’s evolution—from initial discovery to commercial validation. MAX Power characterizes the Lawson 2-24 well as the pivotal threshold for Canada’s first confirmed Natural Hydrogen system. Continuous elevated readings over 831 metres, stronger signals than the original well, and expanding geological evidence of a robust basement fracture network strengthen the company’s model and understanding of the Lawson system.

While commercial viability will ultimately depend on completions and reservoir testing, each milestone in the validation program builds the technical foundation for what could become the world’s first large-scale commercial Natural Hydrogen system. CEO Ran Narayanasamy highlighted Saskatchewan’s geology and policy environment as providing "a quick and predictable path forward" for potential large-scale commercialization of Natural Hydrogen as a primary energy source. No specific timeline for commercial assessment or development decisions was provided.

Geological Model and Basement Complex Insights

Chief Geoscientist Steve Halabura described the basement complex encountered at Lawson 2 as "classic exotic terrane," consistent with pre-drilling models. Exotic terranes are fault-bounded crustal fragments with distinct geological histories, often featuring complex fracture networks and fluid flow systems. The mineral assemblage—including pyroxene-bearing mafic rocks, potassium feldspars, hematite, and tentatively identified epidote and serpentinite—supports this interpretation and indicates fluid alteration and migration.

Serpentinite’s presence is particularly notable, as serpentinization reactions can generate hydrogen via ultramafic rock interaction with fluids. While the announcement does not explicitly link Natural Hydrogen generation to serpentinization, serpentinite recovery supports models invoking basement rock-fluid interaction as a source mechanism. Core analysis and data review are ongoing.

Upcoming Steps: Coring, Completions, and Multi-Well Expansion

Drilling will continue with Core #2 after a brief pause at 2,370 metres following the Natural Hydrogen-rich fracture zone encounter. Drilling is expected to extend deeper post-coring, with no final depth set. Halabura noted that each additional metre sets a new record for basement complex coring, aiming to maximize system characterization.

After drilling, the planned completions program will establish essential flow, volume, and concentration data for commercial evaluation. Timelines remain unspecified. The Lawson 2-24 well initiates a multi-well commercial validation program, with additional wells planned though details remain undisclosed. The company anticipates providing further updates soon.

Related Asset: Homeland Critical Minerals and Willcox Lithium Project

The announcement briefly mentions MAX Power’s significant equity stake in Homeland Critical Minerals, owner of the Willcox Project in Arizona—a lithium discovery confirmed by MAX Power in early 2024. No current ownership percentages, valuations, or operational updates were provided. This reference highlights MAX Power’s diversified portfolio across energy transition-related minerals and commodities, though no quantitative data on the asset’s scale or financial impact was included.