QIMC Secures Second Drilling Approval at Bennett Hill, Enabling Back-to-Back Phase 1 Execution in Nova Scotia

Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC | OTCQB: QIMCF | FSE: 7FJ) has received a Notice of Approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables for its Phase 1 drilling notification at the Bennett Hill Project in the East Advocate area of Nova Scotia. The approval marks the second drilling authorization granted to QIMC within the broader Advocate area, following the Company’s recently approved Eatonville Phase 1 program in West Advocate.

Together, the Eatonville and Bennett Hill approvals represent a meaningful execution milestone, positioning QIMC to advance back-to-back Phase 1 drilling programs within a single, district-scale natural hydrogen system. Both projects are situated along Nova Scotia’s Cobequid Fault system, a structurally significant corridor that underpins QIMC’s regional development strategy. The ability to move multiple projects through permitting and into drilling within the same district enables operational continuity, efficient contractor utilization, and accelerated subsurface data acquisition.

“Receiving a second drilling approval in the Advocate area confirms that QIMC is executing at the district level,” said John Karagiannidis, President and Chief Executive Officer of QIMC. “By advancing multiple projects through permitting and into drilling within the Advocate area, we are demonstrating a level of execution and scalability that we believe differentiates QIMC in the emerging natural hydrogen space.” He added that the Province of Nova Scotia’s efficient regulatory process continues to support responsible resource development and investment confidence.

Each Phase 1 program is structured as an initial three-hole drill campaign targeting priority geological zones identified through hydrogen soil-gas sampling, radon–thoron measurements, and integrated geological interpretation. QIMC intends to sequence the programs in a disciplined manner, transitioning directly from Eatonville into Bennett Hill upon completion of initial drilling, thereby maintaining momentum and delivering consecutive technical catalysts.

Beyond the Advocate area, QIMC confirmed that it is advancing permitting and technical review work at Little Forks, which is being evaluated as the next priority area for future Phase 1 drilling approvals.

Full press release is attached below:

Montreal, Quebec–(Newsfile Corp. – February 5, 2026) – Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) (“QIMC” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received today a Notice of Approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables for its Phase 1 drilling notification at the Bennett Hill Project, located in the East Advocate area of Nova Scotia.

This approval represents the second drilling authorization granted to QIMC within the broader Advocate area, following the Company’s previously announced receipt of regulatory approval for its Eatonville Project in West Advocate. Together, these approvals mark a significant execution milestone as QIMC advances back-to-back Phase 1 drilling programs within a single, highly prospective hydrogen district.

“Receiving a second drilling approval in the Advocate area confirms that QIMC is executing at the district level,” said John Karagiannidis, President and Chief Executive Officer of QIMC. “By advancing multiple projects through permitting and into drilling within the Advocate area, we are demonstrating a level of execution and scalability that we believe differentiates QIMC in the emerging natural hydrogen space. Once again, we acknowledge the Province of Nova Scotia for its professional and efficient administration of the regulatory review process.”

Advocate Area: From Permitting to Drilling Execution

The Eatonville and Bennett Hill projects are both situated along Nova Scotia’s Cobequid Fault system. Receipt of two separate drilling approvals within the same district enables QIMC to maintain operational continuity, optimize contractor utilization, and accelerate subsurface data acquisition.

QIMC intends to sequence the programs in a disciplined manner, transitioning from Eatonville directly into Bennett Hill upon completion of initial drilling activities. Each Phase 1 program is designed as an initial three-hole drill campaign targeting priority geological zones identified through hydrogen soil-gas sampling, radon–thoron measurements, and integrated geological interpretation.

As part of this repeatable and scalable development strategy, QIMC also confirms that it is advancing permitting and technical review work in the Little Forks area of Nova Scotia, which the Company is evaluating as the next priority area for future Phase 1 drilling approvals following Eatonville and Bennett Hill.

About Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC)

Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) is a mining exploration and development company dedicated to unlocking the potential of North America’s abundant natural resources. With properties in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Minnesota (USA), QIMC specializes in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits.

QIMC is committed to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and innovation, with the objective of supporting clean energy solutions for the AI-driven and carbon-neutral economy.

For More Information, Please Contact:

QUEBEC INNOVATIVE MATERIALS CORP.
John Karagiannidis
President & Chief Executive Officer
Email:
info@qimaterials.com
Tel: +1 514-726-7058

Regulatory Disclaimer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release and has neither approved nor disapproved its contents.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” and similar expressions, or by statements that events or conditions “will,” “may,” “could,” or “should” occur.

Although the Company believes that the forward-looking information contained herein is reasonable as of the date of this press release, such information is subject to change and no assurance can be given that future results will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

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