CHARBONE Expands Helium Delivery Fleet Amid Global Supply Shortages

Varennes, Québec — July 16, 2026 — Leads & Copy — CORPORATION CHARBONE, a vertically integrated industrial gas company, announced today it has expanded its helium delivery fleet from one to five units. This expansion aims to accelerate service to North American clients amidst a globally tight supply of helium, driven by recent geopolitical disruptions affecting key supply hubs and shipping routes.

The company, which also focuses on the production, distribution, and storage of ultra-high purity hydrogen and other strategic industrial gases, stated that disruptions in Qatar, a major global helium supplier, and restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have led to export limitations and significant price volatility in North American markets. This has created an urgent demand for reliable domestic supply sources, particularly for sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and healthcare.

CHARBONE's helium division, established in 2025, leverages the company's vertically integrated infrastructure and decentralized production model. By anticipating market shifts, CHARBONE has secured long-term customer commitments through 2028, shielding its North American operations from international shipping fluctuations.

The company's operational growth is evidenced by an expanding client base and logistics capabilities. The helium trailer fleet has grown from a single unit in the fourth quarter of 2025 to five, with plans to add five more in the coming months. Additionally, CHARBONE has acquired 22 new helium clients in Quebec, serving laboratories, advanced manufacturing, and technical services. The company also continues to generate recurring revenue streams from UHP hydrogen, helium, and oxygen, contributing to its portfolio diversification.

“We were ready to scale our helium production well before the recent supply disruptions occurred. With trailers on order and agreements in place, we have grown our dedicated helium fleet from one to five units and are capable of adding five more in the coming months to meet this significant increase in demand,” said Patrick Cuddihy, Senior Vice-President of CHARBONE.

The current helium shortage has also served as a strategic market entry tool for CHARBONE. Industrial gas buyers often seek secondary suppliers when primary sources are unable to deliver, allowing CHARBONE to gain market share from established competitors facing supply issues. The company anticipates that these new helium partnerships will eventually facilitate cross-selling opportunities for its hydrogen and oxygen products.

While CHARBONE's helium division benefits from the setbacks at production facilities in Qatar, which are undergoing reconstruction following drone and missile attacks in March 2026, and persistent shipping constraints, the company is maintaining continuous commercial production at its Sorel-Tracy hydrogen plant. With Phase 1B capacity expansion underway, CHARBONE is focused on achieving sustained sales growth across its decentralized North American network.

A detailed article outlining CHARBONE's helium operations and market positioning is available on social media. Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to review the full article for additional information.

Separately, CHARBONE has engaged IMPAQ Capital Inc. (IMPAQ) to provide investor relations services. IMPAQ, based in Montreal, Quebec, will focus on customized communication programs to enhance visibility and engagement with qualified North American investment professionals. The agreement is for an initial term of ten months, effective July 13, 2026, with automatic three-month renewals unless terminated by the company. IMPAQ will receive monthly compensation of $8,500 and 300,000 stock options previously announced on June 23, 2026, at an exercise price of $0.15. Vesting and exercise periods will follow standard protocols.

IMPAQ's expertise in the Canadian market, with French and English representatives, combined with existing U.S. investor relations expertise (RB Milestone Group), will help consolidate the company's presence within North American investor communities.

CHARBONE is a vertically integrated industrial gas company focused on developing and operating a regional network of logistical platforms for the production, storage, and distribution of Ultra High Purity (UHP) strategic industrial gases. The company serves clients across various sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data centers, advanced pharmaceuticals, and aerospace and defense technologies, where UHP gases are critical for high-precision manufacturing processes and operational performance. CHARBONE is developing a network of UHP clean hydrogen production facilities in North America and select international markets. Its modular, decentralized, and demand-driven approach, coupled with its integrated storage and distribution platform for all UHP gases, enables controlled growth, operational flexibility, and more stable, diversified revenue generation. This model allows CHARBONE to efficiently provide mid-sized industrial customers with a reliable supply of UHP gases, including hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and other gases found in high-demand components that are often difficult to source. The company is committed to supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy by providing accessible, decentralized clean hydrogen and specialty gases, while addressing supply deficits for underserved industrial customers and accelerating the transition to local clean energy. CHARBONE is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: CH), OTC Markets (OTCQB: CHHYF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: K47).

Source: CHARBONE