QIMC Intersects 243 m Natural Hydrogen Zone Including 163 m Continuous Elevated Interval at West Advocate – Strongest Response to Date
Multiple headspace H2 readings exceed instrument range with cross-check values up to 8,961 ppmV; system remains open at depth toward 900 m
Key Highlights – DDH-26-03 (300-543 m Interval)
- 163 metres of continuous elevated natural hydrogen headspace geochemistry from approximately 380 m to 543 m downhole
- 243-metre anomalous hydrogen-bearing zone identified between 300 m and 543 m, representing the most extensive interval intersected to date
- Multiple headspace H₂ readings exceeded the 1,000 ppm instrument range, with selected secondary cross-check values up to 8,961 ppmV
- Strongest and most continuous hydrogen response observed to date within QIMC’s 2026 West Advocate drilling program
- Mineralization hosted within a structurally complex fault breccia corridor, including intrusive dykes, silicification and fracture networks
- System remains open at depth, with drilling ongoing toward a planned total depth of approximately 900 m
Montreal, Quebec–(Newsfile Corp. – May 6, 2026) – Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC,OTC:QIMCF) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) (“QIMC” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that the Company has intersected a 243-metre anomalous hydrogen-bearing interval (300-543 m), including a 163-metre continuous elevated hydrogen zone (380-543 m), representing the strongest and most continuous field geochemical response observed to date at the project.
The deeper interval in DDH-26-03 is characterized by repeated elevated hydrogen readings, including multiple measurements exceeding the upper detection limit of the primary GA5000 field instrument, with selected cross-check values up to 8,961 ppmV confirmed using a secondary Eagle II analyzer. These results expand the known vertical extent and intensity of hydrogen mineralization at West Advocate and are consistent with the Company’s interpretation of a structurally controlled system that remains open at depth as drilling continues toward a planned total depth of approximately 900 m. Concurrently, ISOJAR mud gas sampling at 3-metres intervals throughout DDH-26-03 is being processed and interpreted by Prof Marc Richer-Laflèche of INRS, adding an independent scientific layer to the Company’s integrated program.
CEO Commentary
DDH-26-03 has delivered the strongest and most continuous natural hydrogen geochemical response observed to date at West Advocate, significantly advancing our understanding of the system.
The drill hole intersected over 163 metres of continuous elevated hydrogen headspace geochemistry within a broader 243-metre anomalous interval, with selected cross-check values reaching up to 8,961 ppmV. These results are hosted within a structurally complex zone characterized by fault brecciation, intrusive dykes, silicification and fracture networks, supporting our interpretation of an extensive structurally controlled hydrogen system.
This interval represents a meaningful advancement relative to prior drilling, with greater continuity, intensity and geological coherence observed at depth. Ongoing ISOJAR mud gas sampling and integrated geological analysis with INRS continue to refine our understanding of the system.
– John Karagiannidis, President & CEO, Québec Innovative Materials Corp.
Current results are consistent with a hydrogen system that remains open at depth, and we will continue to evaluate its continuity and scale as drilling progresses toward the planned 900-metre target.
Results – DDH-26-03
The new zone identified in DDH-26-03 from approximately 300 m to 543 m downhole is characterized by repeated elevated field headspace hydrogen responses, including several intervals where the primary GA5000 instrument exceeded its upper H₂ measurement range.
SCIENTIFIC COMMENTARY BY PROF MARC RICHER-LAFLECHE
Between 300 and 540 m, the data from the DDH-26-03 borehole show a clear increase in the intensity of the hydrogen background approaching 1000 ppmV (Fig. 1). Values of more than 3000 ppmV were observed at 380 m (3239 ppmV), 476 m (8961 ppmV) and 521 m (3537 ppmV). This trend points to a potential for natural hydrogen that increases with depth and moves northwards. Notably, median hydrogen concentrations increase from 357 ppmV (3-300 m) to 820 ppmV (300-540 m), indicating a statistically significant upward shift in hydrogen intensity with depth.
Figure 1. Comparative distribution of hydrogen analyses (H2 ppmV) of water samples from the DDH-26-03 borehole taken between 3 m and 299 m and between 300 m and 540 (headspace fraction). Data measured at atmospheric pressure and normalized to a reference temperature of 22°C.
Figure 2 highlights the importance of increasing H2 ppmV concentrations with depth measured along hole DDH-26-03. A quick examination of the figure shows that, despite its recognized importance, the RQD values do not fully explain the variability of hydrogen observed in the hole. For example, the highest values from hole DDH-26-03 are observed in areas of moderate RQD values and the lowest RQD values in an area with low H2 concentrations. This observation is important because it underlines the importance of other parameters such as the tectonic brecciation of the rocks which is clearly observed on the section between 400 and 510 m. This process appears to be the mechanism that produces the permeability necessary for hydrogen transport in the Devonian rocks of the area.
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QIMC Intersects 243 m Natural Hydrogen Zone Including 163 m Continuous Elevated Interval at West Advocate – Strongest Response to Date, source
