Exploring White Hydrogen Potential in Quebec’s Lake Timiskaming Basin

Image Credit: Big Rock Exploration

Recent discoveries in Quebec have opened up new possibilities for white hydrogen—a naturally occurring, low-cost, and renewable form of hydrogen with potential for a more sustainable energy future. Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) has announced its plans to begin exploring for white hydrogen at its Angliers-Belleterre project in the Témiscamingue region of western Quebec, alongside its ongoing work in critical minerals.

As the search for alternative energy sources accelerates globally, AEMC is joining an increasing number of companies exploring natural hydrogen. According to Rystad Energy, interest in natural hydrogen has grown fourfold since 2020, with around 40 companies globally now engaged in its search. Canada, ranking in the top 10 hydrogen producers worldwide, primarily focuses on other types of hydrogen, making this a noteworthy development in expanding Canada’s role in clean hydrogen production.

The Lake Timiskaming Basin is promising target

Interest in white hydrogen exploration began when new data from Quebec Innovative Materials Corp (QIMC) indicated elevated levels of hydrogen gas in the soil above the Lake Timiskaming Basin. While no hydrogen accumulations have been identified in the subsurface, these elevated surface levels sparked AEMC’s interest in conducting further investigations.

“A lot is still unknown at this stage,” says AEMC CEO Gregory Beischer. “Right now, what’s been detected is simply elevated hydrogen gas levels in soil above the basin on QIMC’s claims.” This early signal has led AEMC to embark on a hydrogen soil gas survey, set to begin in late October and running through November, covering portions of the Baby Greenstone Belt (BGB) and its contact zone with the Lake Timiskaming Basin.

The contact zone between the BGB and Lake Timiskaming Basin offers intriguing possibilities for white hydrogen exploration. White hydrogen is considered one of the cleanest forms of hydrogen due to its natural occurrence and low emissions, and industry experts consider it a key component in the transition to renewable energy sources. If AEMC’s survey results are promising, the company may pursue additional explorations in the area.

Exploring Diverse Formations for Hydrogen

Unlike traditional mineral exploration, which often targets specific formations, AEMC’s hydrogen survey will begin with a broader approach, covering various formations within the Baby Greenstone Belt. This approach allows AEMC to explore hydrogen’s potential within different geological contexts, assessing where hydrogen deposits might naturally occur.

For now, AEMC’s survey will focus on sampling soil in and around the BGB’s contact zone with the Lake Timiskaming Basin. “Our first pass work will cover a variety of formations within the BGB,” explained Beischer. “We’re initially concentrating on this contact zone to gauge the potential presence of hydrogen within the basin.”

White hydrogen exploration differs in methods and goals from traditional mineral exploration, where a primary focus is to locate and extract specific ores. Here, AEMC will employ hydrogen soil gas sampling techniques, hoping to better understand surface and near-surface hydrogen levels and identify where promising hydrogen concentrations might lie deeper underground.

Balancing Exploration with Local Land Use

AEMC’s Angliers-Belleterre project lies in a diverse, multi-use area, including agriculture, forestry, tourism, hunting, and recreational fisheries. With such a variety of land uses, AEMC has a long-standing commitment to maintaining good relationships with the local community and remaining mindful of the impact of its operations.

The recent amendments under Quebec’s Bill 63, which introduces updates to the Mining Act, have created added expectations for mining companies to consider the impact of exploration activities on surrounding communities. Bill 63 emphasizes environmental accountability, clear communication with local stakeholders, and streamlined permitting processes for sustainable mining practices.

However, AEMC has long been committed to such standards, as noted by Beischer. “As a modern exploration company, we do our best to be good neighbors, to consider other land uses and ownership in the area, and to communicate openly with local residents about our activities.” Bill 63, he added, won’t significantly change AEMC’s approach, though it may encourage further planning in drill hole permitting and other logistical details as they enter new stages of exploration.

Continuing Focus on Nickel and Copper

While AEMC’s new hydrogen exploration is an exciting addition to its portfolio, the company remains primarily focused on the nickel and copper potential within the Angliers-Belleterre claim block. Nickel and copper are critical minerals with high demand in various industries, particularly electric vehicle manufacturing and battery production.

Yet AEMC is always open to diversifying its resource base should a promising opportunity arise. “Our focus remains on the nickel-copper potential of the Angliers-Belleterre claim block, but we’re keeping our minds open to other valuable commodities,” said Beischer. Should the survey show favorable results, the company is prepared to allocate additional resources to further investigate the hydrogen potential within the region.

The Future of Hydrogen Exploration in Quebec

The upcoming survey aligns with a global movement toward diversifying energy sources and incorporating hydrogen into sustainable energy solutions. White hydrogen, as a naturally occurring and low-cost energy source, holds great promise, especially in regions like Quebec, where natural resources play a significant role in the local economy.

AEMC’s interest in white hydrogen exemplifies how companies are beginning to consider alternative resources alongside traditional critical minerals. As the exploration unfolds, it could contribute valuable insights into Canada’s position in the global hydrogen market and expand Quebec’s role in sustainable energy solutions.

For more details on AEMC’s hydrogen exploration efforts, you can view the full press release here.

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