MAX Power Mining has confirmed Canada's first-ever subsurface natural hydrogen system following successful drilling and testing at its Lawson prospect near Central Butte, Saskatchewan. The discovery represents a significant milestone in North America's emerging natural hydrogen sector, with testing returning hydrogen concentrations up to 286,000 ppm, or 28.6% H₂, along with free gas flow to surface, robust initial rates and pressures.
The findings suggest a potentially large reservoir with a strong drive mechanism, supporting the company's geological model and indicating repeatability and scalability across the 475-kilometer-long Genesis Trend. This trend encompasses MAX Power's 1.3-million-acre permitted land package, where a fully funded second well is planned along the Saskatchewan-Montana border. The discovery's location near the Regina-Moose Jaw Industrial Corridor and adjacent to the Prairie Evaporite potash basin provides strategic advantages for potential development and infrastructure integration.
Beyond hydrogen, the Lawson discovery revealed elevated helium values up to 8.7%, indicating potential for a stacked gas system that could enhance the project's economic viability. This dual-resource potential is accelerating development of MAX Power's AI-assisted MAXX LEMI exploration platform, which aims to optimize future exploration efforts across the company's extensive land holdings. The company has identified high-priority initial drill target areas for commencement of drilling in Q4 2025.
The confirmation of Canada's first natural hydrogen system comes as global interest in naturally occurring hydrogen grows as a potential clean energy source. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods that require significant energy input, natural hydrogen forms through geological processes and could offer a lower-carbon alternative for industrial applications and energy storage. MAX Power's discovery positions the company as a first mover in this emerging sector, having built what it describes as a dominant district-scale land position covering approximately 1.3 million acres of prime exploration ground.
For business and technology leaders monitoring the energy transition, this development highlights the intersection of traditional resource exploration with advanced technologies like AI-assisted platforms. The successful application of MAX Power's geological model and exploration approach could influence how companies approach natural resource discovery in the coming decade. More information about the company's developments is available in its newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MAXXF, while the full press release can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/qDqSe.
