The Financial Post reports in its Friday, July 3, edition that when First Atlantic Nickel and Cobalt began assessing its clean nickel deposit in central Newfoundland, it also had its eye on harnessing hydrogen as a potential energy source. Postmedia's Gary Kean writes that geologic hydrogen forms naturally through processes like the chemical reactions of water with ultramafic rocks, such as those at First Atlantic's Pipestone XL site in Newfoundland. The company aims to accelerate this natural process, known as serpentinization, to generate power for its planned awaruite nickel and cobalt mine and processing plant. First Atlantic Nickel has partnered with Vema Hydrogen on a joint venture to generate engineered mineral hydrogen as a fuel source for the project. Engineered mineral hydrogen involves injecting a catalyst to stimulate and expedite the otherwise natural process in underground rock formations. "Instead of taking whatever Mother Nature gives to us, we accelerate natural reactions, which generate hydrogen into certain types of rocks," explained Vema chief Pierre Levin. He is mum on the exact composition of the catalysts used by Vema Hydrogen, citing company proprietary intellectual property.