The Government of Saskatchewan’s Helium Action Plan, launched in 2021, outlines a goal to provide 10 per cent of the world’s helium by 2030, among other ambitious targets.
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill is under investigation by the province’s conflict of interest commissioner due to his investment in two helium companies which have had dealings with the government.
Here’s a look at how the Saskatchewan Party government has tried to advance the province’s helium industry through its Helium Action Plan: From Exploration to Exports, which was released in 2021.
Helium is considered to be a critical mineral and the United States, which is the world’s largest helium consumer, was expected to become a net importer of helium (a country that imports more than it exports).
According to the Government of Saskatchewan, the top uses for helium include:
- Use in MRIs, which accounts for 16 per cent of the market
- Manufacture of semi conductors, 15 per cent
- Use in welding, 12 per cent
- Use in lifting/balloons, 10 per cent
The Helium Action Plan lays out ambitious goals for the helium industry in Saskatchewan.
- For Saskatchewan to provide 10 per cent of the world’s helium by 2030
- To create more than 500 full-time jobs
- To have more than 150 dedicated helium wells in the province
- To have annual exports totalling $500 million
- And to build up 15 purification and liquidation facilities
Currently, the majority of Saskatchewan’s helium industry is located in the province’s southwest. The region is home to the largest helium purification facility in Canada, North American Helium’s Battle Creek facility, which began operations in 2021.
There were over 500 leases and permits for exploration and production issued that same year. Saskatchewan was expecting to have 20 active helium wells going by the end of 2021, with dozens more in development.
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