New Lawson Analog Target Identified Near Original Discovery on Genesis Trend
- Bracken Well at Grasslands Project, 325 km southwest of Lawson Discovery, is successfully cased after being drilled to a total depth of 2,600 meters
- Mixed gas interval with Helium and Natural Hydrogen encountered in Upper Devonian at Bracken, followed by two Natural Hydrogen-dominant zones in basal Deadwood and Basement Complex; service rig operations for well completion and testing phase to begin after spring breakup
- Lawson “look-a-like” target identified just 12 km southwest of original Lawson Discovery, based on further review of legacy 2D seismic data
- High quality data set delivered from a 3D Seismic Survey completed on Genesis Trend covering 47 sq. km at the Lawson Natural Hydrogen Discovery and a broad area surrounding the Lawson Well – initial interpretations pending this month following processing and analysis
Genesis Explained: Its “Salt Barrier” Advantage and Proximity To Demand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytpHdve6S8
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MAX Power Mining Corp. (CSE: MAXX; OTC: MAXXF; FRA: 89N) (“MAX Power” or the “Company”) is pleased to report a series of new milestones that significantly expand the scale and commercial potential of its Natural Hydrogen portfolio in Saskatchewan, highlighted by the successful drilling of the Bracken Well, the completion of a high-resolution 3D seismic survey covering the Lawson Discovery and a broad area surrounding the 15-19 discovery well, and the identification of a new Lawson “look-a-like” target just 12 km southwest of the original discovery based on a further review of legacy 2D seismic data.
These developments set the stage for a rapid acceleration this month and this quarter of MAX Power’s drive to establish Saskatchewan as the world’s birthplace of Natural Hydrogen commercialization, along with its AI-assisted MAXX LEMI platform with global application potential, at a time when the world’s need for reliable, clean, affordable baseload energy has never been greater. Locally, in Saskatchewan, Bell Canada has proposed Canada’s largest data centre development within the Industrial Corridor that adjoins the 475-km Genesis Trend (source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/ai-data-rm-of-sherwood-9.7130417 adding a new potential demand dynamic for Natural Hydrogen and Helium in the region.
MAX Power’s large Saskatchewan project benefits from an historic rise in Helium prices, as Helium is often found in association with Natural Hydrogen as demonstrated now at Bracken and earlier at Lawson (Helium values as high as 8.7% and averaging 4.4% in core desorption tests from 9 samples from a zone within the Cambrian Basal sands immediately above the Natural Hydrogen discovery in the Basement Complex – refer to Jan. 16, 2026, news release).
MAX Power’s recently completed $20.5 million raise will allow the Company to target multiple new short-term milestones including a follow-up well at Lawson to validate potential commerciality, well completion and testing at Bracken, acquisition of new seismic data at Genesis, Grasslands and elsewhere, further evaluation of dozens of prospects, and the pursuit of corporate development strategies with key stakeholders. This will generate robust news flow during Q2 and further build on MAX Power’s brand as Canada’s leading Natural Hydrogen exploration and development company.
Highlights
- Bracken Well (Grasslands Project)
- Successfully drilled to 2,600 m total depth and cased for completion
- Three zones of interest (two favorable for Natural Hydrogen, one favorable for Helium)
- Extensive datasets acquired including core, gas chromatography, and borehole geophysical logs
- Consistent with MAX Power’s rigorous standards for collection and reporting of Natural Hydrogen and Helium data, procedures that were initially implemented for Lawson, the first part of the Analytic Phase for Bracken has commenced with preliminary core examination at AGAT Laboratories in Calgary
- Service rig operations will commence in Q2 following spring breakup to determine composition of mixed gases present at Bracken
- Lawson and Area Update (Genesis Trend)
- 47 sq. km 3D seismic survey completed ahead of schedule and under budget, delivering a very high-quality data set for processing
- Preliminary interpretations expected in the next 2-3 weeks
- Data significantly enhances imaging of trap geometry, reservoir distribution, and fault architecture at Lawson Discovery, and will greatly aid determination of resource potential through estimation and modelling work to be done by third-party valuation experts
- Confirmatory well planned for mid-2026 targeting the apex of the Lawson structure
- Lawson “look-a-like” target – “Lawson Southwest” – identified 12 km southwest of original discovery based on legacy 2D seismic and other data, reinforcing the potential for district-scale repeatability across the Genesis Trend
- Lawson Southwest has many geophysical similarities to original Lawson Discovery, and this new target also appears to be associated with a dome-like surface feature at “Shooter Hill”
Mr. Ran Narayanasamy, CEO of MAX Power, commented:
Drilling at Bracken supports our view that multiple geological play concepts for Natural Hydrogen may exist across a broad regional system in Saskatchewan.
”In addition, encountering Helium in the shallow part of the Devonian at Bracken is exciting. We look forward to initial results from the Analytic Phase. With Bracken encountering Natural Hydrogen and Helium zones 325 km from Lawson on a developing trend, and a robust pipeline of prospects and targets across the 475-km Genesis Trend, we are now defining the first basin-scale Natural Hydrogen play in North America. Our focus is on evaluating continuity, refining the model, and progressing a domestic energy platform aligned with emerging industrial and compute demand.”
Mr. Steve Halabura, Chief Geoscientist, added:
As with Lawson after it was first drilled, we are cautiously optimistic with regard to Bracken and we look forward to receiving and interpreting well data over the coming weeks and incorporating this into MAXX LEMI, our AI-assisted platform, ahead of the completion phase when we will test flow and volume potential.
”We have a large permitted area at Grasslands, and an opportunity to build a district play there totally separate from Genesis.”
Mr. Halabura continued:
At Lawson, the 3D seismic is a game changer. It allows us to precisely define structural closure, optimize well placement, and significantly increase the probability of success for the commercial validation follow-up well.
”The Lawson Southwest target, outlined through a review of legacy 2D seismic, is an exciting development and speaks to the potential of what the 3D Survey may reveal over a large area to the north. We are further assessing Lawson Southwest as it is high on our priority list as a potential drill target, subject to additional data and analysis.”
Bracken Discussion
The Bracken 13-29 Test-of-Concept Well represents MAX Power’s second major drilling milestone and supports the Company’s vision of multiple “play concepts” for Natural Hydrogen as well as basin-scale continuity, the interpretation that a regionally extensive Natural Hydrogen system extends well beyond the Genesis Trend into other parts of the province. In addition, given the fact Saskatchewan is the only jurisdiction in Canada that produces Helium, and Grasslands is situated within a known Helium fairway, the Company is highly encouraged by internal modeling that shows the theoretical impact of value-added Helium to a Natural Hydrogen deposit, similar to how a mineral deposit can benefit significantly from a certain metal credit.
The Analytic Phase for Bracken has commenced with preliminary core examination at AGAT Laboratories in Calgary, after which the core will be shipped to the Petroleum Technology Research Center (“PTRC”) in Regina where the specialized rock analysis facility will provide for advanced compositional, reservoir, and rock mechanical testing. Included in this phase will be contributions by members of the University of Regina Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, igneous research geologists from the Saskatchewan Subsurface Geological Laboratory in Regina, and Dr. Yaoguo Li and colleagues at the Colorado School of Mines. The goal of this phase of work is to provide the first metrics concerning the Natural Hydrogen and Helium gases encountered at the Bracken well, including information as to source rock, method of generation, migration dynamics, reservoir quantification, and flow potential. The deliverables from this Phase will inform the completion and testing program for the cased Bracken 13-29 well.
Lawson Discovery – Rapid De-Risking
Tetra Tech, a leading global provider of high-end consulting, engineering, program management and technical services, has completed a 47 sq. km 3D Seismic Survey covering the Lawson Discovery and a broad area to the north, delivering to MAX Power an exceptionally high-quality data set under budget and ahead of schedule. The survey was designed with optimal bin spacing and fold to significantly enhance imaging of key structural features within the Lawson Discovery. Initial processing results indicate excellent signal-to-noise and continuity across the reservoir horizon and entire data set. This data set materially de-risks the prospect by refining trap geometry, potential fault architecture, and reservoir distribution, while enabling precise depth conversion and wellbore placement. With an initial round of processing being finalized over the next two weeks, MAX Power looks forward to providing preliminary interpretations of 3D seismic related to the Lawson Discovery and the broader area surrounding the 15-19 well during the second half of April.
Why This Matters To Investors
MAX Power is advancing toward commercial evaluation of a potentially scalable Natural Hydrogen system in Saskatchewan at a time when demand for reliable, clean baseload energy is accelerating. The completion of a 47 sq. km 3D seismic program at Lawson represents a key step in de-risking the system, enabling more precise definition of structure, reservoir distribution, and fault architecture. This directly supports the planned confirmatory well targeting the apex of the structure, a critical milestone in evaluating flow characteristics and commercial potential.
At Bracken, located 325 km from Lawson, drilling has encountered multiple zones of interest, including Natural Hydrogen and Helium, supporting the presence of a second geological play concept. Combined with the identification of a Lawson analog target just 12 km from the original well, these developments strengthen the interpretation of a broader regional system and highlight the potential for repeatability across a basin-scale area.
The Genesis Trend’s proximity to Saskatchewan’s Industrial Corridor, including a proposed large scale data center development by Bell Canada, introduces a potential pathway for localized energy supply aligned with growing compute and industrial demand. With a dominant land position, exposure to both Natural Hydrogen and Helium, and a fully funded program, MAX Power is advancing a structured approach toward commercial assessment within a broader shift toward domestic clean energy systems and next generation infrastructure.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
MAX Power Advances Basin-Scale Discovery Potential with Multi-Zone Natural Hydrogen and Helium Intervals at Bracken, source
Facts Only
MAX Power Mining Corp. successfully drilled the Bracken Well to 2,600 meters at the Grasslands Project in Saskatchewan.
The Bracken Well encountered mixed gas intervals with helium and natural hydrogen in the Upper Devonian, and two natural hydrogen-dominant zones in the basal Deadwood and Basement Complex.
Service rig operations for well completion and testing at Bracken are scheduled to begin after spring breakup.
A new target, "Lawson Southwest," has been identified 12 km southwest of the original Lawson Discovery, based on legacy 2D seismic data.
A 47 sq. km 3D seismic survey was completed at the Lawson Discovery, delivering high-quality data for processing.
Preliminary interpretations of the 3D seismic data are expected in the next 2-3 weeks.
A confirmatory well is planned for mid-2026 at the Lawson Discovery.
MAX Power raised $20.5 million to fund further exploration, including well completion at Bracken, new seismic data acquisition, and corporate development strategies.
The Genesis Trend is located near Saskatchewan's Industrial Corridor, where Bell Canada has proposed a large-scale data center.
Helium values as high as 8.7% were recorded in core desorption tests from the Cambrian Basal sands at the Lawson Discovery.
The Bracken Well is located 325 km southwest of the Lawson Discovery.
MAX Power is advancing its AI-assisted MAXX LEMI platform for global application potential.
Executive Summary
MAX Power Mining Corp. has achieved significant milestones in its exploration of natural hydrogen and helium in Saskatchewan. The Bracken Well, part of the Grasslands Project, was successfully drilled to 2,600 meters, encountering multiple zones of interest, including mixed gas intervals with helium and natural hydrogen in the Upper Devonian, as well as two natural hydrogen-dominant zones in the basal Deadwood and Basement Complex. Service rig operations for well completion and testing are scheduled to begin after spring breakup. Additionally, a new target, "Lawson Southwest," has been identified 12 km from the original Lawson Discovery, based on legacy 2D seismic data, reinforcing the potential for a district-scale natural hydrogen system.
The company has also completed a 47 sq. km 3D seismic survey at the Lawson Discovery, delivering high-quality data that will aid in refining trap geometry, reservoir distribution, and fault architecture. Preliminary interpretations are expected in the coming weeks, with a confirmatory well planned for mid-2026. MAX Power's recent $20.5 million funding will support further exploration, including well completion at Bracken, new seismic data acquisition, and corporate development strategies. The proximity of the Genesis Trend to Saskatchewan's Industrial Corridor, including a proposed large-scale data center by Bell Canada, highlights potential demand for natural hydrogen and helium in the region.
Full Take
The strongest version of this narrative positions MAX Power as a pioneer in natural hydrogen exploration, leveraging advanced seismic technology and strategic funding to de-risk and scale its discoveries in Saskatchewan. The company's progress at Bracken and Lawson, combined with the identification of new targets, suggests a potentially transformative energy opportunity. The proximity to industrial demand, including Bell Canada's proposed data center, adds credibility to the commercial viability of natural hydrogen and helium as clean energy sources.
However, the narrative leans heavily on technical achievements and future potential without addressing key uncertainties. The actual flow rates, commercial viability, and scalability of natural hydrogen extraction remain unproven. The emphasis on "first basin-scale Natural Hydrogen play in North America" could be seen as premature, given the early-stage nature of the findings. Additionally, the repeated mention of helium as a value-added component may distract from the core focus on hydrogen, though it does highlight a secondary revenue stream.
Root cause: This narrative reflects the broader push for clean energy solutions, with natural hydrogen positioned as a baseload alternative to intermittent renewables. The unstated assumption is that technological and economic barriers can be overcome rapidly, echoing historical patterns of resource hype cycles (e.g., shale gas, rare earth minerals). The paradigm driving this is the urgency to decarbonize, coupled with the financial incentives of being first-to-market in a nascent industry.
Implications: If successful, MAX Power's efforts could reshape Saskatchewan's energy landscape, providing local industries with a low-carbon fuel source and potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the costs—financial, environmental, and opportunity—are less clear. Second-order consequences could include speculative investment bubbles, regulatory challenges, or unintended environmental impacts from large-scale extraction.
Bridge questions: What independent verification exists for the natural hydrogen flow rates and reservoir potential? How does the economic case for natural hydrogen compare to other clean energy alternatives, such as green hydrogen produced via electrolysis? What are the environmental risks associated with large-scale natural hydrogen extraction, and how are they being mitigated?
Counterstrike scan: A coordinated influence campaign would emphasize the urgency of clean energy transitions, downplay uncertainties, and highlight potential economic benefits to garner investor and public support. The actual content aligns with this pattern to some extent, particularly in its focus on milestones and future potential while glossing over risks. However, it does not appear to be part of a malicious campaign, as it provides verifiable technical details and acknowledges next steps (e.g., testing, seismic interpretation). The tone remains professional and data-driven, though optimistically framed.
Patterns detected: ARC-0024 Ambiguity (regarding commercial viability), ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey (emphasizing "first basin-scale play" while downplaying early-stage risks)
Sentinel — Human
This text appears to be written by a human journalist reporting on MAX Power's recent discoveries in Saskatchewan. While there are some minor stylometric signs of inconsistency and lack of personal voice, the overall structure and argument suggest a human author.