Element One Partners with Columbia University on Geologic Hydrogen Research

Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp. has entered into a sponsored research agreement with Columbia University to advance scientific understanding of geologic hydrogen and critical mineral extraction from subsurface rock formations.

The two-year research program, backed by a US$1.67 million investment from Element One, will be led by Dr. Greeshma Gadikota at Columbia’s Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering and the Columbia Climate School. The collaboration aims to explore how hydrogen can be stimulated and produced directly within geological systems, while simultaneously recovering valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese.

The research will also investigate the potential for long-term carbon dioxide storage through mineral carbonation, alongside techno-economic and life-cycle analyses to inform future commercial deployment.

Element One views geologic hydrogen as a potentially transformative energy source that could complement existing hydrogen production methods. By combining hydrogen generation with critical mineral recovery, the company aims to improve project economics while supporting supply chains essential for electrification and decarbonization.

Under the agreement, Columbia University will retain ownership of any resulting intellectual property, while Element One will have the option to negotiate licenses for commercial use of relevant discoveries.