The article discusses Newfoundland and Labrador's emergence in the global hydrogen economy through its rich nickel resources. It highlights the significance of nickel in hydrogen production technology and how the province's geology positions it as a key player in decarbonization efforts. The article introduces awaruite, a nickel-iron alloy with high nickel content that offers a smelter-free processing solution, addressing concerns about foreign processing and enhancing North America's critical minerals supply chain resilience. Awaruite's cleaner processing methods and lack of sulfur make it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional nickel sources. It also mentions the growing importance of nickel in clean energy technologies beyond just batteries, especially in light of the transition to scalable hydrogen solutions. The potential of awaruite to meet the US Inflation Reduction Act's requirements for clean vehicles without foreign critical minerals processing is highlighted. Overall, the article underscores the strategic value of Newfoundland and Labrador's mineral exploration and its role in advancing sustainable and secure mineral extraction practices.