Element One and Mantle8 Target Western Canada Natural Hydrogen Opportunities Under New LOI
Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals has entered into a letter of intent with French natural hydrogen explorer Mantle8 to evaluate and potentially advance exploration opportunities across British Columbia and Alberta, bringing together Mantle8’s purpose-built exploration technologies with Element One’s regional operating capabilities.
The proposed collaboration is initially focused on non-stimulated natural hydrogen plays, meaning the partnership would search for naturally generated hydrogen that has migrated and accumulated in the subsurface rather than pursue technologies designed to stimulate hydrogen generation within reactive rocks.
Under the proposed framework, the companies intend to jointly identify prospective regions, review geological datasets, generate and rank exploration targets and assess opportunities to acquire, lease or option suitable land positions.
The agreement represents a project-generation strategy rather than the acquisition of a specific existing hydrogen project. No defined exploration area, drilling target or land package has yet been announced.
Instead, the companies plan to establish a technical working group and determine an initial area of interest within 30 days of executing the LOI, with British Columbia and Alberta forming the initial geographic focus.
Mantle8 is expected to contribute its integrated natural hydrogen exploration technology platform. Its tools include GeoLogix® for geological modelling, APoGeH® for hydrogen-system assessment and HOREX®, which the company describes as a 4D imaging system for active underground hydrogen systems.
The underlying exploration philosophy is geology-first: identify the geological processes capable of generating hydrogen, determine how the gas could migrate through the subsurface, locate structures or formations capable of accumulating it and use integrated geological, geophysical and geochemical information to rank the most prospective targets before drilling.
Element One would bring a different set of capabilities to the proposed partnership, including regional exploration, permitting and tenure management, field logistics and engagement with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders and government agencies.
That division of capabilities could allow Mantle8’s exploration methodology to be deployed in Western Canada without the French company having to build the entire regional operating infrastructure independently, while giving Element One access to a technology platform specifically developed for natural hydrogen exploration.
Element One CEO Brad Kitchen described Mantle8’s decision to work with the company in Canada as validation of both Element One’s regional capabilities and the natural hydrogen opportunity it sees across Western Canada. Management intends to use the proposed partnership to develop a pipeline of ranked exploration opportunities rather than concentrate immediately on a single target.
Mantle8 CEO Emmanuel Masini highlighted Canada’s geology, technical expertise, resource-development capabilities and hydrogen demand, while describing Western Canada as potentially suitable for a “play-opening” exploration program capable of generating multiple prospects across a large region.
The agreement also represents another step in Mantle8’s international expansion.
The Grenoble-based company announced a €31 million Series A financing in 2026 to support an international natural hydrogen exploration and drilling campaign and has secured three natural hydrogen and helium exploration permits in Western Europe. Its expansion into Canada would extend that exploration strategy into a major established resource jurisdiction.
For Element One, the LOI adds another layer to the natural hydrogen strategy it outlined earlier in September.
The company is pursuing both conventional exploration for naturally accumulated hydrogen and technology designed to stimulate hydrogen-generating reactions within iron-rich hard rock. The Mantle8 collaboration is specifically directed toward the first of those pathways and does not cover stimulated hydrogen plays during the initial area-of-interest process.
That distinction is significant because it separates two different development models within Element One’s portfolio. Its work with Mantle8 would focus on finding naturally occurring subsurface accumulations that could potentially be explored and developed using approaches related to conventional resource exploration, while its separate technology initiatives are examining whether geological hydrogen generation itself can be accelerated.
The companies intend to begin with preliminary data review and target generation before evaluating potential land acquisitions. Budgets would then be developed for securing exploration rights and deploying Mantle8’s technology locally.
If those steps produce sufficiently attractive opportunities, the parties contemplate negotiating a definitive joint venture covering exploration, drilling and potentially development and commercialization.
The commercial structure, however, has not yet been determined.
Project ownership, funding commitments, exploration expenditures, governance, earn-in arrangements, operator designation and commercialization rights all remain subject to negotiation. The LOI is principally a framework for further discussions and is non-binding apart from specified provisions covering areas including exclusivity, confidentiality, intellectual property, governing law and expenses.
The agreement includes an initial 120-day exclusivity period, with an automatic 60-day extension if negotiations continue in good faith and a definitive agreement is substantially complete. It also contemplates a two-year right of first refusal relating to natural hydrogen exploration targets identified during the LOI period.
That makes the immediate milestone relatively clear: the collaboration first needs to move from a strategic framework into a defined geography and a ranked set of actual prospects.
Full press release is attached below:
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 14, 2026) - Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: EONE) ("Element One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent (the "LOI") with Mantle8 SAS ("Mantle8"), a Grenoble, France-based natural hydrogen exploration company, to evaluate and advance prospective natural hydrogen exploration opportunities in British Columbia and Alberta.
The proposed collaboration is intended to combine Mantle8's proprietary natural hydrogen exploration technology stack with Element One's regional exploration capabilities, permitting experience, field operations and stakeholder relationships. The parties plan to identify and rank prospective targets, evaluate land-acquisition opportunities and establish a framework for exploration, drilling and potential development programs under a definitive joint venture agreement.
Strategic Highlights
Canadian expansion: The LOI provides a framework for Mantle8 and Element One to pursue natural hydrogen exploration opportunities in Western Canada, initially focused on British Columbia and Alberta.
Proprietary technology platform: Mantle8 is expected to deploy its advanced technologies for geological modelling, hydrogen-system assessment, prospect generation and 4D subsurface imaging.
Complementary Canadian capabilities: Element One will manage regional exploration activities, permitting, tenure, field logistics and engagement with Indigenous and local communities and government agencies.
Project-generation mandate: The parties intend to review geological data, identify priority regions, generate and rank targets, and assess opportunities to acquire, lease or option exploration rights.
Definitive joint venture contemplated: Ownership, funding, governance, earn-in, operator and commercialization terms remain subject to negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement.
Management Commentary
"Mantle8 is the natural hydrogen industry's most technically advanced exploration companies, and its decision to work with Element One in Canada is a significant validation of our team, our regional capabilities and the opportunity we see in Western Canada," said Brad Kitchen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Element One. "This proposed partnership would give Element One access to an integrated technology platform designed specifically to identify natural hydrogen systems and rank the targets with the strongest potential. Together, we intend to build a disciplined pipeline of exploration opportunities, beginning in British Columbia and Alberta."
"As we expand and diversify our exploration portfolio, Canada stands out for its combination of highly prospective geology, deep technical expertise, established resource-development capabilities and growing hydrogen demand," said Emmanuel Masini, CEO of Mantle8. "Canada's increasingly clear and supportive regulatory environment further strengthens its ability to attract the long-term investment required to advance emerging resource opportunities. What makes Western Canada particularly compelling is the scale of the opportunity: we see the potential for a play-opening exploration program that could unlock multiple prospects across a vast area, providing a pathway to regional scalability."
Mantle8 Technology and International Experience
Mantle8 applies a geology-first approach that integrates geology, geophysics and geochemistry to evaluate complete natural hydrogen systems. Its technology stack includes GeoLogix® for geological modelling, HOREX® for 4D imaging of active underground hydrogen systems and APoGeH® for hydrogen-system assessment.
In 2026, Mantle8 announced a €31 million Series A financing to support a global natural hydrogen exploration and drilling campaign, expanding from the three natural hydrogen and helium exploration permits it has secured in Western Europe.
Next Steps
The parties intend to establish a technical working group, identify priority target regions, begin preliminary data review and target generation, evaluate prospective land acquisitions, prepare budgets for land acquisition and local technology deployment, and negotiate a definitive agreement. The initial area of interest is to be determined within 30 days of execution of the LOI and will be limited to non-stimulated natural hydrogen plays.
The LOI provides for an initial 120-day exclusivity period, with an automatic 60-day extension if the parties continue negotiating in good faith and the definitive agreement is substantially complete. It also contemplates a two-year right of first refusal relating to natural hydrogen exploration targets identified during the term of the LOI, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Status of the LOI
The LOI is principally a framework for continued discussions. Except for specified provisions relating to exclusivity, confidentiality, intellectual property, governing law and expenses, it is non-binding. The parties have not yet agreed on project ownership, funding commitments, exploration expenditures, governance, earn-in terms, operator designation or commercialization rights. Neither party is obligated to complete the proposed transaction unless and until a definitive agreement is executed. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be completed or that the proposed collaboration will result in exploration, drilling, development or commercial production.
About Mantle8
Mantle8 is a company built by geoscientists and technologists committed to deliver the next energy frontier: natural hydrogen. The Earth makes natural hydrogen underground, where iron-rich rocks naturally react with water and release hydrogen gas. So far, no method has found commercial volume of natural hydrogen deliberately and where it makes sense. Mantle8 is designed to change that. Combining deep geoscience with purpose-built exploration technologies, Mantle8 identifies the geological systems generating hydrogen today, pinpoints where it accumulates, and estimates how much hydrogen could flow at surface - giving an early view of commerciality before major capital is committed.
Mantle8 is backed by investors in frontier science and clean energy/technologies, including Sandwater, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Bpifrance Green Ventures, IP Group, Wind Capital and Calderion. With their support, Mantle8 is working across a growing portfolio of projects. Once proven, the Mantle8 method will do it again and again. Cheap, reliable energy has driven every leap in how people live and work. The next leap is a clean and natural reaction between rock and water, and it is happening right now.
About Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp.
Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: EONE), through a growing portfolio of strategic resource assets, proprietary technologies and industry partnerships, is advancing the exploration, development and commercialization of natural hydrogen, magnesium and other critical minerals. Element One's projects span British Columbia, Washington State and Alaska and are supported by collaborations with world-class research institutions, including Columbia University, and strategic partnerships with industry, Indigenous communities and government. By combining resource development with innovative processing technologies, Element One is positioned to help strengthen North America's energy security, industrial resilience and critical mineral supply chains.
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On behalf of the Board of Directors
Brad Kitchen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp.
Email: bkitchen@e1-h2.com
Telephone: 604.506.7555
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes statements regarding the proposed strategic relationship between Element One and Mantle8; negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement; establishment of a technical working group; identification, acquisition, evaluation and advancement of target regions, land opportunities and natural hydrogen targets; deployment and effectiveness of exploration technologies; planning and conduct of exploration, drilling and development programs; permitting, tenure acquisition and stakeholder engagement; and the potential for natural hydrogen exploration opportunities in British Columbia and Alberta. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions considered reasonable by management as of the date of this release and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the risk that the parties do not enter into a definitive agreement; exploration and geological risk; the early-stage nature of natural hydrogen exploration; regulatory, permitting, tenure and Indigenous consultation requirements; access to capital; technology performance; commodity and market conditions; and other risks described in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such information except as required by applicable law.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
