A Landmark Discovery: Max Power Mining Confirms Canada’s First Natural Hydrogen System

Max Power Mining CA57778R1001

Canada has suddenly emerged as a significant location for natural hydrogen deposits. Max Power Mining has reported a confirmed subsurface natural hydrogen system at its Lawson well in Saskatchewan—the country's first—featuring remarkably high hydrogen concentrations within the gas stream. This represents a milestone for the nascent clean energy sector, with implications extending far beyond a single project.

The Lawson discovery validates Max Power's geological model for natural hydrogen enrichment along the extensive Genesis Trend. This structure spans approximately 475 kilometers from Saskatchewan into the U.S. states of Montana and the Dakotas. The company already holds about 1.3 million acres (roughly 521,000 hectares) of permits in the area and has submitted applications for an additional 5.7 million acres.

The eastern boundary of this trend is marked by the Prairie Evaporite formation, home to the world's largest potash deposits. The company's geology team believes this salt formation acts as a regional barrier, creating trapping and sealing conditions conducive to the accumulation of natural hydrogen. With this find, natural hydrogen in Canada transitions from a theoretical concept to a proven subsurface reality. Max Power establishes itself as the first company in the nation to confirm such a system through deep drilling across a large-scale license package within a politically stable and well-serviced resource region.

The Lawson Discovery: Technical Results

Located near Central Butte, about 140 kilometers south of Saskatoon, the Lawson drill site has uncovered a hydrogen system exceeding initial expectations. Independent analyses from three laboratories—AGAT, Corelab, and PTRC—confirmed hydrogen contents ranging between 16.8% and 19.07% in through-casing flow tests. Even higher readings came from sealed core tube samples, with AGAT measuring concentrations of up to 28.6% hydrogen, an exceptionally high level for a natural occurrence.

A second valuable component was identified: helium contents of up to 8.7% were measured during core degassing, averaging 4.4% across nine samples. This points to a potential "stacked gas" system, where multiple economically interesting gases combine within a single geological setting.

The most significant samples originated from an approximately eight-meter-thick, fractured section in the uppermost crystalline basement. Here, a gas mixture circulates that is about 90% hydrogen and nitrogen, with no detectable hydrogen sulfide. This composition strongly indicates a geological, rather than a near-surface biological, source for the hydrogen.

Following well perforation, free gas flowed to the surface at high initial rates and pressures before formation brine entered. Technically, this demonstrates that the reservoir possesses sufficient energy and a degree of connectivity—fundamental prerequisites for any future commercial production.

A summary of the key technical data includes:
- Hydrogen content in flow tests: approximately 16.8–19.1%
- Maximum hydrogen content in core samples: 28.6%
- Helium proportions: up to 8.7%, average 4.4% (nine samples)
- Primary zone: an 8-meter interval within fractured basement rock
- Free gas flow post-perforation with strong initial rates

Roadmap Through Mid-2026

Leveraging these results, Max Power has outlined a clear operational path forward, with several planned catalysts aimed at advancing the project and clarifying its economic viability.

Key steps include:
- Resource modeling and estimation according to applicable standards, supported by the already extensive dataset.
- 3D seismic survey over 47 square kilometers around the Lawson structure, scheduled for February 2026, to better define reservoir geometry and seal integrity.
- Confirmation drilling to be strategically located using seismic data, testing production rates and deliverability.
- Engagement with potential off-takers, including industrial users within Saskatchewan and global companies in AI infrastructure, for whom hydrogen could be a relevant energy source.

Integration into the MAXX LEMI Platform

Concurrently, Max Power intends to feed the new data into MAXX LEMI, an AI-powered "Large Earth Model" designed for natural hydrogen exploration. The goal is to develop this platform into a global standard for identifying and accelerating natural hydrogen discoveries, with future plans for monetization.

Funding and a Second Drill Project

The financial foundation for the current multi-well program was reinforced in late 2025. In December, Max Power secured a strategic CAD $5 million investment from the Vietnamese Bitexco Group via its energy subsidiary, Big Energy. Combined with earlier funds from prominent resource investor Eric Sprott, capital is now in place for the ongoing campaign.

This funding also supports the company's second drill target at Bracken, situated approximately 325 kilometers southwest of Lawson near the Montana border. The Bracken project is fully financed and forms part of the broader exploration strategy along the Genesis Trend, which targets multiple geological "play concepts" for natural hydrogen.

Outlook: Testing Multiple Play Concepts

According to the company, the Lawson success de-risks several analogous targets along the Genesis Trend and elsewhere within its Saskatchewan license area. Technical teams have identified at least six distinct play concepts for natural hydrogen accumulation. The second of these concepts is slated to be drilled as early as February 2026.

The regional framework is also favorable. Saskatchewan is currently Canada's sole helium producer and a globally significant jurisdiction for uranium and potash. The province also boasts advanced regulatory frameworks for natural hydrogen. Furthermore, the Genesis Trend runs close to the Regina–Moose Jaw industrial corridor, where hydrogen demand is already established. For Max Power, this means a clearly defined market lies within reach, should upcoming drilling campaigns confirm the initial results.