Wedoany.com Report-Mar 2, Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC), based in St-Bruno-de-Guigues, is advancing efforts to establish hydrogen as a key energy source in Quebec, supporting the province’s goals of reducing emissions by 38% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. Following a meeting with the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy on February 12, 2025, in Quebec City, QIMC is progressing with its plans for clean natural hydrogen production. CEO John Karagiannidis stated: “Clean natural hydrogen is poised to play a transformative role in Quebec’s energy transition, and QIMC is at the forefront of this movement. Our recent discussions with the Government of Quebec reinforce how we see the critical role of natural hydrogen in achieving the province’s ambitious energy independence goals.”

The company emphasizes the low environmental impact of natural hydrogen extraction, requiring minimal land and causing little disruption to ecosystems. QIMC highlighted that a single well producing 100 kg of hydrogen daily offers energy equivalent to about 3,500 solar panels, showcasing its efficiency. Gas analysis shows near-zero carbon dioxide and methane in QIMC’s samples, confirming its sustainability. A 153-page report by the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), presented to the ministry, details a path from exploration to production, incorporating drilling, geological mapping, and rock sampling data from 2025.

Magnetite plays a central role in QIMC’s strategy, with two major iron formations identified—measuring 12,000 meters and 3,200 meters—containing an estimated 2.59 billion kilograms of magnetite. Preliminary estimates for the St. Bruno-de-Guigues property suggest significant potential: at 1% porosity, 17,000 tonnes of hydrogen valued at USD 171 million, and at 2% porosity, 34,000 tonnes worth USD 342 million, based on a December 2024 price of USD 5 per kg. Karagiannidis noted: “These estimates, presented for informational purposes, highlight the theoretical resource potential within the fault-associated fracturing porosity of the Lake Timiskaming Graben, with a particular focus on the municipality of St-Bruno-de-Guigues.”

QIMC is collaborating with partners Record Resources and Q Precious and Battery Metals to expand its modeling to other properties. Starting February 24, 2025, a three-week geophysics and geochemical program will focus on the St. Bruno site, with further exploration planned along Lake Temiskaming, including Ontario, alongside Record Resources. The company also appointed André Turmel, a renewable energy law expert from Fasken LLP, to its board, effective immediately, granting him 1.75 million stock options at USD 0.25 for three years. Hani Zabaneh stepped down from the board after years of service. Karagiannidis said: “With André’s extensive experience in energy law and policy, we are strengthening QIMC’s leadership in the hydrogen sector.” This aligns with QIMC’s vision to create a hydrogen hub in Quebec, leveraging natural resources and clean energy infrastructure for economic growth and sustainability.