QIMC Secures Second Regulatory Approval in Advocate Area, Advancing Back-to-Back Phase 1 Drilling Programs in Nova Scotia

Rhea-AI Summary

Québec Innovative Materials Corp (OTCQB: QIMCF) received a second Nova Scotia drilling approval on February 5, 2026 for its Bennett Hill Project in the East Advocate area. This follows prior approval for Eatonville in West Advocate, enabling back-to-back Phase 1 drilling programs within the same hydrogen district.

Each Phase 1 campaign is a three-hole drill program targeting zones identified by hydrogen soil-gas, radon–thoron, and integrated geological interpretation. QIMC plans to sequence Eatonville into Bennett Hill to maintain operational continuity and is advancing permitting at Little Forks as the next priority.

Positive

• Second provincial drilling approval in Advocate area
• Back-to-back Phase 1 drilling programs planned
• Each Phase 1 is a three-hole initial drill campaign
• Sequenced drilling to maintain operational continuity
• Advancing permitting at Little Forks as next priority

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

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-9.42% News Effect

On the day this news was published, QIMCF declined 9.42%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282808

FAQ

What regulatory approval did QIMCF announce on February 5, 2026?

QIMCF announced a Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables approval for Bennett Hill Phase 1 drilling. According to the company, this is the second Advocate-area drilling authorization after Eatonville, enabling district-level drilling execution.

How will QIMCF sequence the Eatonville and Bennett Hill drill programs (QIMCF)?

QIMCF will sequence Eatonville directly into Bennett Hill upon completion of initial drilling activities. According to the company, this approach preserves contractor utilization and accelerates subsurface data acquisition across the Advocate district.

What is the design of each Phase 1 drilling program at QIMCF projects?

Each Phase 1 program is designed as an initial three-hole drill campaign targeting priority geological zones. According to the company, targets were selected using hydrogen soil-gas sampling, radon–thoron measurements, and integrated geological interpretation.

Why is the second approval in the Advocate area meaningful for QIMCF shareholders?

The second approval supports district-level execution and potential operational efficiencies across projects. According to the company, receiving approvals for Eatonville and Bennett Hill enables continuity, optimized contractor use, and faster subsurface data collection.

What are QIMCF's next permitting priorities after Bennett Hill and Eatonville?

QIMCF is advancing permitting and technical review work in the Little Forks area as the next priority for Phase 1 drilling approvals. According to the company, Little Forks is being evaluated for future Phase 1 programs following current projects.