Lawson Well encounters hydrogen-rich fractures
MAX Power’s commercial validation drill program at the Lawson Complex aims to confirm the world’s first large-scale commercial discovery of Natural Hydrogen as a new primary energy source.
NEW Video: The Time is Now https://youtu.be/TKnEnBEQ0TM
REGINA, Saskatchewan, July 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAX Power Mining Corp. (CSE: MAXX; OTC: MAXXF; FSE: 89N) (“MAX Power” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that drilling of the first well of a multi-well commercial validation drill program at the Lawson Natural Hydrogen discovery near Central Butte, Saskatchewan, has encountered additional Natural Hydrogen-rich fractures. It’s also achieving 100% core recovery and continues beyond its originally planned depth.
Following the first 63 meters of core recovered from the Deadwood Formation and the Precambrian in Core #1, as reported in MAX Power’s July 27, 2026 news release , an additional 57 meters has been recovered from Cores #2 and #3, with Core #3 terminated at 2,397 meters. Cores #2 and #3 feature “exotic terrane” rocks that produced the highest gas detection readings recorded to date at Lawson, even beyond the highly elevated readings from Core #1. This has also continued the string of continuous Natural Hydrogen readings, along with helium spikes, that started just below 1,500 meters in the Upper Devonian. Drilling has resumed past 2,400 meters and the Company looks forward to providing a fresh update during the week of August 3.
Mr. Steve Halabura, MAX Power Chief Geoscientist, commented: “These high Natural Hydrogen readings are associated with fractures that we are tracking with great interest. We have recovered more core from the basement complex than any other single well in Saskatchewan history, so our team is showing incredible efficiency and determination to drill as deep as possible. I’m eagerly anticipating a treasure trove of data and detailed visual analysis of the core.”
The first 120 meters of core are now at AGAT Laboratories in Calgary for extensive core analysis.
Figure 1: Lawson Commercial Validation Drilling, July 2026
Why This Matters to Investors
Every major resource industry reaches a defining moment when it transitions from discovery toward commercial validation.
This well represents that moment for MAX Power.
For the first time, the Company is testing whether Canada's first confirmed Natural Hydrogen subsurface discovery can demonstrate the scale, continuity, and reservoir characteristics required for commercial development. The combination of continuous elevated Natural Hydrogen readings over 858 meters through Core #3, stronger readings than the original discovery well, and increasing evidence of a robust basement fracture system continues to strengthen the geological model while expanding the Company's understanding of the broader Lawson system.
While commerciality will ultimately be determined through the completion program and subsequent flow, pressure, concentration, and reservoir performance testing, every milestone achieved during this program represents another step toward commercial validation. Together, these results are helping define the technical foundation for what could become the world's first large-scale commercial Natural Hydrogen system and development of a new primary energy source.
Genesis Trend
Lawson Complex #1 represents Canada’s first Natural Hydrogen subsurface system, a 28 sq. km area of focus within a broader permitted land package comprising 1,224 sq. km (the “ Lawson Project ”). Notably, multiple Lawson Complexes are possible within the massive under-explored Lawson Project highlighted on the map below (a “Complex” in this context is a specific area of proven discovery).
The permitted Aurora Project ( 628 sq. km ) adjoins the southeast corner of the Lawson Project, striking southeast toward Moose Jaw, and represents what may be another set of complexes with many Lawson look-a-like features. Multiple Natural Hydrogen systems are possible within the Aurora Project, similar to the situation at Lawson.
Figure 2: Genesis Trend Map
The Lawson-Aurora combination gives MAX Power permits covering a contiguous 90-km-long area striking northwest-southeast ( 1,852 sq. km ). Aurora is favorably situated along a major highway and rail transportation corridor adjacent to heavy industry and emerging AI infrastructure. Multiple other permitted projects along Genesis give MAX Power a dominating position in Canada’s most exciting corridor for Natural Hydrogen discovery and development.
Genesis Explained: Its “Salt Barrier” Advantage and Proximity to Demand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytpHdve6S8
Figure 3: Aurora Project, Adjoining Lawson
R ecent Videos
What is Natural Hydrogen? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0bqqZeIpxc
Genesis Explained: Its “Salt Barrier” Advantage and Proximity to Demand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytpHdve6S8
The Genesis Trend’s Industrial Corridor https://youtube.com/shorts/IAgALH_s3mI
Lawson – Canada’s First Big Step into Natural Hydrogen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTTOwMxz_zo
MAX Power Leaps at Lawson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr4Ha06__Eg
Watch the Drill in Action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eguNGAfdIek
MAX Power Saskatchewan Natural Hydrogen Documentary Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXGDtTUbJ2c
History in The Making at Lawson – Video Immediately Ahead of Drill Rig Setup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHazk9Sy4E
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MAX Power is an innovative mineral and energy exploration company focused on the shift to decarbonization. The Company’s Lawson Discovery near Central Butte, Saskatchewan, represents Canada’s first-ever subsurface Natural Hydrogen system confirmed through deep drilling with data validated by three independent labs. MAX Power has built dominant district-scale land positions across Saskatchewan with approximately 2 million acres (~809,000 hectares) of permits covering prime exploration ground prospective for large-volume accumulations of Natural Hydrogen, and has commenced a multi-well follow-up drill program to validate the commerciality of the broader Lawson Complex interpreted to cover a 28 sq. km area along the 475-km Genesis Trend. MAX Power also holds a significant equity position in Homeland Critical Minerals which now owns the Willcox Project in Arizona, a lithium discovery confirmed in early 2024 by MAX Power. MAX Power is committed to responsible exploration and development practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, meaningful community engagement, and strong corporate governance.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Ran Narayanasamy, CEO MAX Power Mining Corp. info@maxpowermining.com
For further information, please contact:
Chad Levesque, President Ph: 1-306-981-4753 chad@maxpowermining.com
Media Contact:
Sarah Mawji, Venture Strategies sarah@venturestrategies.com
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is often identified by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "predict", "project", "should", "will" and similar expressions.
Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, including, among other things, that required regulatory approvals will be obtained, financing will be available on acceptable terms, planned exploration, appraisal and development activities will proceed as anticipated, equipment and personnel will be available as required, geological interpretations and technical results will support further advancement of the Company's projects, and market conditions will remain favourable.
Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to exploration and development activities, geological and technical uncertainties, commercialization of Natural Hydrogen, reservoir performance, infrastructure availability, strategic partnership opportunities, market acceptance, commodity and energy prices, access to capital, regulatory approvals, environmental and permitting requirements, and general economic, market and business conditions.
There can be no assurance that the Company's plans, expectations or objectives will be achieved. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Additional information regarding the Company and the risks and uncertainties affecting its business and operations is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
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