Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. Acquires Matane Hydrogen Project, Proposed Financing and Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. Acquires Matane Hydrogen Project, Proposed Financing and Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia – Thursday January 30, 2025] – Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. (“QMET” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce the proposed acquisition of the Matane Hydrogen Project, a hydrogen exploration property located in the Appalachian region of Quebec. Additionally, QMET has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (“QIMC”), North America’s premier natural hydrogen exploration company, to accelerate the discovery and development of clean natural hydrogen resources in Quebec.
Matane Hydrogen Project Acquisition
The Matane Hydrogen Project encompasses a highly prospective exploration area positioned within a transition zone between Cambro-Ordovician and Siluro-Devonian rock formations. The property spans approximately 80 claims covering 26 kilometers along the Schickshock-South fault zone, a well-defined structure with strong geological indicators for natural hydrogen formation.
The Matane region’s unique geological setting, characterized by basaltic and peridotitic source rocks, tectonized zones, and deep fault systems, presents an exceptional environment for hydrogen generation through oxidative hydrolysis and radiolytic reactions. The presence of porous and permeable sedimentary formations further enhances the potential for hydrogen accumulation, making this acquisition a strategic addition to QMET’s portfolio.
Simplified geological map of the Schickshok-Sud fault zone to the south of the Matane region. Source: Modified map from the SIGEOM site (MRNF).
Strategic Collaboration with QIMC
In conjunction with the acquisition, QMET has a strategic collaboration agreement with QIMC to leverage its cutting-edge expertise in hydrogen exploration and development. QIMC, which has achieved breakthrough results with hydrogen concentrations exceeding 7,000 ppm and the near absence of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) (concentrations in trace amounts) in its Quebec properties, will provide technical insights and operational support to optimize exploration and resource validation at Matane.
This partnership aims to accelerate natural hydrogen exploration in the region, combining QMET’s robust geological expertise with QIMC’s field experience and innovative methodologies.
“Acquiring the Matane Hydrogen Project represents a significant milestone for QMET as we expand our footprint in the rapidly emerging natural hydrogen sector. The project’s geological characteristics align perfectly with our mission to unlock Quebec’s energy potential sustainably. Through our strategic partnership with QIMC, we are well-positioned to advance exploration efficiently and responsibly,” said Richard Penn, President of QMET.
We are thrilled to join forces with QMET on the Matane Hydrogen Project. This region holds tremendous potential, and by combining our expertise, we can accelerate the advancement of Quebec’s clean natural hydrogen as a key energy source. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to positioning Quebec as a global leader in natural hydrogen development while enhancing energy independence,” added John Karagiannidis, CEO of QIMC.
Looking ahead
QMET and QIMC will commence fieldwork and data acquisition in the coming months, prioritizing geological surveys, geochemical sampling, and targeted drilling programs. Both companies remain dedicated to engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure responsible resource development aligned with environmental and regulatory standards.
Acquisition terms
QMET has entered into an acquisition agreement dated January 29, 2025 (the “Acquisition Agreement”), between QMET and the beneficial owners of the property (the “Sellers”). Under the terms of the agreement the Company is required to may a non-refundable $25,000 payment to Zadkiel Holdings Inc. and issue 6,000,000 common shares to the Sellers and 4,000,000 common shares to QIMC. The Sellers and QIMC are arms-length to the Company. The securities issued will be subject to a four month and one day hold from the date of issuance.
In addition, QMET has granted the Sellers and QIMC a 2% royalty on revenues from the sale of any hydrogen or other minerals on the property (the “Royalty”). 50% of the Royalty may be purchased for $2,000,000. The Royalty, and any proceeds from a buyout of the Royalty is split equally between the Sellers and QIMC.
Closing of the Acquisition Agreement is subject to the completion of a private placement financing of common shares, warrants or a combination of both for gross proceeds of a minimum $500,000 (the “PP Financing”). This condition is for the sole benefit QMET and waivable by QMET in its sole discretion
Closing of the Acquisition Agreement is expected to occur on or before February 28, 2025 and is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.
Perry Grunenberg, P.Geo, a “Qualified Person” as that term is defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. QMET exploration programs are supervised by Dr. Mathieu Piche, OGQ, with office in Val-d’Or, Quebec. He is also a director of the Company.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Richard Penn CEO (778) 384-8923
About Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp.
Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on critical minerals and energy transition resources. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, QMET is pioneering efforts to explore and develop natural hydrogen and other strategic resources in Quebec and beyond.
About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Québec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration, and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Quebec's abundant resources., QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits, QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future. . QIMC is driving the future of natural hydrogen in Quebec.
Cautionary Statement
Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law including statements relating to the proposed acquisition of the Matane Property, a proposed financing, collaboration with QIMC, to potential for hydrogen reserves to exist on the Matane Property, and future exploration activities on the Matane Property. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE, failure to close the acquisition agreement, failure to complete the financing, failures to collaborate effectively with QIMC or at all, failure to finance or otherwise conduct planned exploration on the Matane Property, defaults in title, environmental, governmental or other regulatory issues and aboriginal land claims. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company’s control. There are no assurances that the business plans for the Company as described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.