First Atlas Resources Corp. (CSE: HHE / OTC: BTKRF) is preparing for its first natural hydrogen drilling program in Nova Scotia, following the identification of two high-priority drill targets in the Oxford–Salt Springs area of the Cumberland Basin.
The targets were identified through an extensive soil-gas densification campaign conducted by Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) throughout July and August of this year. The program measured hydrogen (H₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and helium (He).
The Oxford–Salt Springs area contains folded and fractured layers of sedimentary rock. These fractures can provide pathways for natural hydrogen to migrate from deeper underground, while certain rock layers can trap the gas and allow it to accumulate. First Atlas combines its soil-gas results with geological mapping, structural analysis, magnetic surveys and gravity data to determine the most suitable locations for drilling.
Seismic Survey and Subsurface Exploration
First Atlas has engaged Calgary-based Echo Seismic Ltd. to conduct an approximately 8-kilometre, two-dimensional seismic survey in Nova Scotia's Cumberland Basin to map geological structures beneath identified hydrogen anomalies.
The survey uses Vibroseis technology, which generates controlled vibrations at the surface. Seismic receivers record the returning signals, allowing geophysicists to interpret underground rock layers, faults and structural boundaries. The survey will use existing roads, specialized vehicles and wireless recording equipment. This approach eliminates the need for explosives, shot-hole drilling or the construction of new seismic lines.
Once the survey is completed, the seismic data will be processed, interpreted and integrated with existing exploration data.
Technical Partnership with QIMC
Through its technical partnership with Québec Innovative Materials Corp., First Atlas applies QIMC's Reactivated Rift and Graben Geostructure (R2G2™) methodology, which integrates geological, geochemical and geophysical data to investigate fault-controlled hydrogen systems and identify areas for further exploration.
Although First Atlas and QIMC operate separate exploration programs, their neighbouring properties in the Cumberland Basin may share underground faults and other geological structures. Analyzing data from both programs can help determine whether these structures extend between the properties and how they relate to the region's natural hydrogen systems.
QIMC recently completed a 63.7-kilometre seismic survey covering the Apple River, Advocate, Bennett Hill and Port Greville areas. The survey was also conducted by Echo Seismic Ltd., with the resulting data sent to Earth Signal Processing Ltd. for processing and interpretation.
Earlier this year, QIMC reported elevated hydrogen readings from five drill holes at West Advocate and Bennett Hill, including a peak mud-gas reading of 30.0% at 413 metres in DDH-26-05.
First Atlas Expands Nova Scotia Land Position
First Atlas Resources recently announced that it had expanded its Nova Scotia land position by adding 704 mineral exploration claims across 10 exploration licences, increasing its holdings from 2,173 across 35 licences to 2,877 across 45 licences. The company's portfolio includes land in the Colchester, Springhill, Salt Springs, Oxford and Apple River areas.
Sources
