Vema Hydrogen and First Atlantic Nickel & Cobalt sign deal to develop engineered mineral hydrogen in Newfoundland
In Canada, Vema Hydrogen announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with First Atlantic Nickel & Cobalt to jointly develop Engineered Mineral Hydrogen, or EMH, at the Pipestone XL project, a 30-kilometer ultramafic belt in central Newfoundland.
Under the terms of the agreement, the parties intend to establish a 50/50 joint venture to produce low-carbon hydrogen alongside First Atlantic’s primary awaruite nickel-cobalt program.
The partnership is intended to serve as a first-of-its-kind template for combining hydrogen production with critical mineral development at ultramafic sites, with the potential to attract co-located investment in clean fuels, ammonia, and downstream industry, Vema said.
Over the past twelve months, Vema has worked with First Atlantic to evaluate the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex, analyzing geological and geophysical data as well as infrastructure across the 30-kilometer belt.
Laboratory testing of Pipestone rock samples at Vema’s Orléans facility in France confirmed hydrogen production through stimulated serpentinization, indicating that the formation is well suited to EMH. Vema will leverage the experience gained in its established site in the Thetford ophiolite in Quebec, where Vema operates what it clais to be the world’s first Engineered Mineral Hydrogen project.
Category: Hydrogen
