MAX Power Mining has appointed Ranjith Narayanasamy, current President and CEO of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, as Chief Executive Officer effective December 8, 2025. This strategic leadership change comes as the company prepares to drill Canada's first-ever deep well specifically targeting natural hydrogen within Saskatchewan's Genesis Trend. The timing coincides with MAX Power's advancement of its dominant district-scale land position covering approximately 1.3 million acres of permits in prime exploration ground prospective for large volume accumulations of natural hydrogen.
The company has identified high priority initial drill target areas for commencement of drilling in the fourth quarter of 2025. This positions MAX Power as a first mover in Canada's rapidly growing natural hydrogen sector, which represents a significant opportunity in North America's shift toward decarbonization. Natural hydrogen exploration represents an emerging frontier in clean energy development, with MAX Power's upcoming drilling program marking a significant milestone for Canada's energy transition.
The appointment of Narayanasamy brings substantial expertise from his leadership role at the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, providing valuable technical and strategic guidance as the company advances its hydrogen exploration initiatives alongside its established critical minerals portfolio across the United States and Canada. Current CEO Mansoor Jan will transition to lead MAX Power's U.S. subsidiary, focusing on potential spinout or other strategic transactions involving the company's Willcox Playa critical minerals project in southeast Arizona.
The Willcox Playa project, located adjacent to U.S. Department of Defense lands, represents another key component of MAX Power's strategic portfolio. The company achieved a 2024 diamond drilling discovery at this lithium project, highlighting its diversified approach to critical minerals exploration. Additional information about MAX Power's developments is available through the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MAXXF.
