Alaska Energy Metals Corporation Explores White Hydrogen Potential in Quebec

Exploring White Hydrogen Potential: AEMC's Strategic Soil Gas Survey at Angliers-Belleterre Project

Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) has just announced plans to carry out a hydrogen soil gas survey at its Angliers-Belleterre Project in Quebec. This move stems from new data released by Quebec Innovative Materials Corp which illustrates the potential for accumulations of white hydrogen within the Lake Timiskaming Basin in western Quebec, which happens to intersect with several parts of the Baby Greenstone Belt on Alaska Energy Metals' (AEMC) Angliers claim block. The company plans to carry out a detailed hydrogen soil gas survey designed to uncover geological conditions favorable for hydrogen accumulation. Gregory Beischer, CEO of Alaska Energy Metals, explains,  “While we remain committed to advancing the nickel-copper targets that we've identified at our Angliers property in Quebec, the hydrogen economy certainly has a place in the energy mix. For this reason, we are excited to investigate the likelihood for white hydrogen gas on our claims. Should we find success, Alaska Energy Metals may be able to provide not only the critical and energy-related materials needed for domestic energy security but also play an even bigger role than anticipated in decarbonization efforts. Our planned work will determine this potential.”

Why all the hype around white hydrogen?

White hydrogen’s prominence as an alternative energy source is growing and gaining interest from both the industry and governments. It’s because it is a naturally occurring form of hydrogen. White hydrogen forms as a result of geological processes like serpentinization, where water interacts with iron-rich minerals under high temperatures and research indicates that the number of companies engaged in searching for natural hydrogen deposits expanded from a mere ten in 2020 to 40 by the end of 2023. “Part of the reason why white hydrogen has become an attractive alternative source of energy is that it is low-cost, low-emission, naturally occuring, and therefore renewable,” says Beischer. Canada is one of the top 10 players leading the growth of the global hydrogen market and produces approximately 3 million tons annually. However, the majority of this hydrogen does not meet the criteria of white hydrogen.

What makes finding hydrogen gas potential in Quebec so special?

As the largest Canadian province by surface area, Quebec is renowned for its abundant natural resources and strategic minerals. Despite its vast land, only 1% is currently mined, while 5% is reserved for mining rights. This survey by AEMC could unlock a new dimension of resource potential, particularly in the domain of sustainable energy. Two Important Points:

• Quebec's expansive land area is only lightly mine and
• The province holds a variety of critical and strategic minerals crucial for national defense and modern technologies, including electric vehicles.

Methodology of the Soil Gas Survey

AEMC plans to collect approximately 400 soil gas samples across six strategically chosen lines on its claim block. Five of these lines will be positioned near the interpreted contact between the Lake Timiskaming Basin and the Baby Greenstone Belt. This area is known for its high fracture density and deep-seated faulting, which could provide pathways for hydrogen generated during serpentinization to migrate to the surface. Detecting hydrogen in these soil samples could indicate the presence of hydrogen gas trapped below the surface. Additionally, one survey line will focus on in-situ serpentinite, komatiite, iron formations, and basaltic rocks. This will help analyze the potential for hydrogen creation outside the basin, broadening the scope of the survey to assess all possible hydrogen-generating areas.

North America's Growing Interest in White Hydrogen

Alaska Energy Metals Corporation's exploratory efforts in Quebec are part of a broader North American shift towards harnessing the potential of natural hydrogen. This is underscored by the recent initiatives of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). Established over a century ago, AAPG has been pivotal in advancing geoscience, primarily focusing on oil and gas exploration. However, the formation of its first natural hydrogen committee last year marks a transformative moment in the organization's history, reflecting a paradigm shift in energy exploration priorities. Successful detection of hydrogen could significantly impact AEMC's future exploration and development strategies as confirming the presence of white hydrogen would not only enhance the company's resource portfolio but also position them as a leader in North America’s sustainable energy solutions.