In the 1990s, geochemist Barbara Sherwood Lollar discovered ancient brine in the Kidd Creek mine containing microbes that feed on hydrogen produced by reactions between water and rock. Decades later, researchers are revisiting this data to see if "geologic hydrogen" could serve as a zero-carbon fuel source, potentially bypassing the high emissions and energy costs associated with traditional hydrogen production.

While exploration has launched globally—including efforts by startups like Koloma—commercial viability remains elusive. Researchers at the US Geological Survey estimate trillions of tons of H2 are produced within Earth's crust; recovering even a small fraction could meet global demand for centuries. However, no one has yet reported a commercially viable reservoir.

At Kidd Creek, data from 35 boreholes suggests approximately 140 metric tons of gas flows unused from the mine's vents annually. While not world-changing, capturing this could provide a local demonstration of utility. The ultimate challenge remains proving that natural hydrogen can be produced economically and reliably at a commercial scale.