QIMC Achieves Record 24.3% Natural Hydrogen Concentration at Bennett Hill, Nova Scotia, and Begins Pilot Development Assessment

Unprecedented Hydrogen Levels in Bennett Hill Drill Hole DDH-26-04

QIMC’s recent update details results from DDH-26-04, drilled to 818 metres at Bennett Hill, Nova Scotia. Mud-gas geochemical analysis from 250 to 818 metres depth revealed a peak hydrogen concentration of 24.3% at 707 metres, representing the highest single hydrogen reading recorded by QIMC during its 2026 Advocate Area drilling program.

The hydrogen concentrations were consistently elevated rather than isolated spikes. The dataset includes six readings equal to or exceeding 10% hydrogen and 46 readings at or above 1% hydrogen within the reported interval. Out of 284 mud-gas samples collected throughout the hole, 104 showed hydrogen levels of 1% or higher, 23 at 5% or more, and 10 at or above 10%. This consistent pattern confirms a systematic natural hydrogen presence rather than an anomalous occurrence.

Persistent Hydrogen Signature Near Borehole Base

Hydrogen presence remained strong near the bottom of DDH-26-04, with percent-level hydrogen readings detected within 39 metres of the hole’s final depth. Notably, 11.4% hydrogen was recorded at 779 metres and 8.3% at 776 metres. This sustained hydrogen signal suggests an active, structurally controlled gas system rather than a depleted or isolated anomaly.

Complementary headspace sampling using 2-litre bottles across 281 to 818 metres showed hydrogen enrichment at similar depths, though at lower absolute values due to dilution inherent in the sampling method. For instance, a 1.3% hydrogen-equivalent reading was recorded at 371 metres. These findings align with previous disclosures regarding sampling methodology.

Consistent Low-Methane Gas Profile Across Multiple Drill Sites

A key factor supporting QIMC’s district-scale hydrogen system hypothesis is the uniform gas geochemistry observed across all four drill holes in the 2026 program. In DDH-26-04’s 250 to 818 metre interval, methane levels were near 0%, carbon dioxide at or below 0.2%, and sulphur dioxide measured at 0.01% B1 0.01%. This hydrogen-dominant, low-methane, low-CO2 gas signature matches data from DDH-26-01, DDH-26-02, and DDH-26-03 drilled approximately 15 kilometres away at Eatonville Road.

The consistent clean gas signature across geographically distinct locations supports the interpretation of a district-scale natural hydrogen system along the Cobequid-Chedabucto Fault Zone rather than isolated point sources.

Geological and Structural Controls on Hydrogen Distribution

The Diamond Drill Report for DDH-26-04 describes a structurally complex geological setting dominated by variably deformed syenogranite intruded by mafic dykes. The hole intersects 32 fault breccia intervals between roughly 132 and 538 metres and 86 broken core intervals from about 48 to 652 metres, indicating extensive distributed faulting and fracturing in the upper 650 metres rather than a single fault.

The highest hydrogen concentrations, including the 24.3% peak between 665 and 707 metres, occur within a deformed mafic dyke-syenogranite complex featuring hydrothermal quartz- and hematite-healed breccia and fractures at multiple orientations. Core quality remains high (RQD 75100%) here, indicating healed fractures rather than open rubble. A strong correlation between structure and hydrogen is evident near 776 to 779 metres, where core quality drops to 0% RQD with near-total core loss, coinciding with two of the strongest hydrogen readings (8.3% and 11.4%), representing one of the clearest structural-hydrogen associations observed on the project.

Competent Syenogranitic Cap Rock Overlying Hydrogen-Bearing Zone

Preliminary stratigraphic interpretation suggests a thick, competent, low-porosity syenogranitic block between approximately 250 and 640 metres acts as a cap rock above a deeper hydrogen-bearing zone extending from 665 to 818 metres. The report notes 100% core recovery and high Rock Quality Designation averaging about 90% (median 93%) in this interval, with no sub-interval below approximately 57%, contrasting with the heavily faulted upper 250 metres.

Field logs describe this block as massive and silicified, with fracture and breccia sets healed by quartz, hematite, and silica infill. Open porosity is essentially absent, unlike the vuggy, altered interval below 700 metres. Four petrophysical samples collected between 484 and 579 metres are pending lab analysis for porosity and permeability.

IOCG-Style Hydrothermal Alteration and Iron-Oxide Mineralization

The 690 to 818 metre interval beneath the cap rock shows increasing alteration intensity and iron-oxide mineralization consistent with an Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) hydrothermal system. Field logs document increasing vugginess at multiple depths (700702 m, 718719 m, 741752 m, 791803 m) and intense hematitic alteration, including a salmon-pink colored interval at 742.0745.7 metres.

At 801 to 803 metres, vugs are associated with removal of dark minerals (likely magnetite) from breccia matrix, indicating magnetite-to-hematite redox alteration. Core samples from approximately 694 to 783 metres will undergo laboratory assay. The pervasive structural brecciation, hematite-rich alteration, and magnetite destruction resemble IOCG mineralization styles seen elsewhere along the Cobequid Fault Zone, although this western segment was not previously recognized for such hydrothermal mineralization.

District-Scale Natural Hydrogen System Extends Over 15 Kilometres

DDH-26-04 at Bennett Hill lies about 15 kilometres from the Eatonville Road drill sites (DDH-26-01, DDH-26-02, DDH-26-03). QIMC’s geological model interprets results from all four holes as evidence of a district-scale, structurally controlled natural hydrogen system spanning at least 15 kilometres along the Cobequid-Chedabucto Fault Zone. The company describes this as "Canada's longest reported clean natural hydrogen corridor and system."

Hydrogen concentrations remain elevated or increase with depth in every hole, supporting an active, deep hydrogen source rather than a shallow anomaly. The 24.3% hydrogen reading at 707 metres in DDH-26-04 is the highest single mud-gas hydrogen measurement reported by QIMC in the Advocate Area to date.

Evaluation of Pilot-Scale Development and Commercialization Pathways

QIMC has launched a technical assessment of potential commercial development routes for the Advocate Area hydrogen system. The evaluation considers the implications of a hydrogen system of this scale and consistency for longer-term pilot or commercial projects. This includes ongoing monitoring of provincial and federal regulatory frameworks relevant to natural hydrogen exploration, pilot testing, and production in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario.

The company is also exploring technical and development partnerships to support future pilot-scale production. Management emphasized that exploration activities involve no hydraulic fracturing or reservoir stimulation, adhering to conventional exploration and evaluation methods.

Scientific Insights into Structural Controls on Hydrogen Migration

A redundancy analysis (RDA) assessed the relationship between hydrogen concentrations in drilling mud and proximity to structural features. The model explains 21.0% of variance in log10(H2), statistically significant (p = 0.001). Distance to the nearest breccia zone was the strongest predictor, with hydrogen concentrations decreasing as distance increased, indicating breccia zones act as preferential gas migration pathways.

Distance to fault mirror (slickenside) surfaces was also significant but inversely related: hydrogen concentrations increased with distance, suggesting these surfaces are sealed rather than open pathways. Geological unit contributed modestly (partial R2 = 5.1%, p = 0.016), with undeformed syenogranite showing lower hydrogen levels than deformed syenogranite. Correlation with magnetic susceptibility was weak, indicating magnetite-rich intervals are unreliable hydrogen indicators, though elevated magnetite abundance reflects a strong IOCG hydrothermal system requiring structural permeability and breccia zones—conditions favorable for natural hydrogen migration.

Data Verification and Sampling Procedures

Mud-gas readings are preliminary, based on co-collected IsoJar headspace samples taken at regular depth intervals during drilling. Samples were analyzed using a portable EAGLE II gas analyzer with an extended measurement range, consistent with protocols disclosed June 18 and June 29, 2026. Companion 2-litre bottle headspace samples followed the standard protocol described March 10, 2026.

Results below 250 metres were compiled from original handwritten field and lab records and independently verified against certified gas cylinder standards under the supervision of Prof. Marc Richer-LaFlE8che, P.Geo., of INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique). Prof. Richer-LaFlE8che, a technical consultant to QIMC, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information. QIMC stresses that mud-gas and headspace readings are preliminary exploration-stage geochemical indicators and do not constitute mineral resources or reserves under National Instrument 43-101.