H₂T: What specific subsurface formations are being targeted in the Quebec pilot wells, and how were they selected?

Vema: We target shallow, iron-rich formations like ophiolites and banded iron formations, which are well understood from historical mineral exploration and tectonic research, and minimizes our exploration risk. Our exploration process starts with reviewing existing surveys and data, and we consider mineralogy and structural geology during detailed field surveys to develop prospects.

H₂T: What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones Vema will be monitoring during the pilot testing phase?

Vema: Vema’s pilot will observe changes in rock properties and fluid movement to validate our technology, with hydrogen (H₂) yields per unit of rock volume, and fluids/heat propagation metrics such as KPIs.

H₂T: What is the expected timeline from pilot testing to commercial-scale deployment, and what regulatory approvals will be required?

Vema: We plan to continue our pilot testing through 2026, and commercial deployment could be as soon as 2028. The regulatory environment varies by location, but we are proactively developing pathways based on lessons learned from recent improvements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and geothermal permitting.

For more information, visit: https://h2-tech.com/news/2026/02-26/vema-hydrogen-drills-pilot-wells-in-quebec-for-engineered-mineral-hydrogen-test-project/

H₂T: What types of offtake agreements or industry partners is Vema targeting for H₂ produced through engineered mineral H₂?

Vema: In the short term, Vema is targeting niche geographies with high-margin, premium H₂ pricing, such as the mobility and logistics markets of California (U.S.) and liquefied distribution in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.

In the long term, Vema is targeting large volumes and multi-year offtake agreements in energy-intensive and hard-to-abate sectors. These include clean fuel manufacturing for maritime and aviation industries, refineries, fertilizers, off-grid power generation for data centers, utilities and steel manufacturing.

We have strong early commercial traction with both short-term and long-term offtake partners, details of which can be found on our data room. By establishing site-specific project companies, Vema plans to own the entire production chain from geology to final sale. The company feels confident in the range of end-use potential and early commercial traction to date.