In the face of a trade war, Saskatchewan’s helium industry looks to lift off

In the vast fields near Swift Current, Saskatchewan, a new natural resource is emerging as a game-changer in the energy industry. Clayten Wenaas, a field engineer for North American Helium, is at the forefront of this exciting development. He oversees the operation of a helium well that stretches nearly two kilometers underground, extracting the valuable gas and sending it to a nearby processing plant.

The demand for helium goes far beyond the usual party balloons. It is an essential component in a wide range of industries, from healthcare to technology to aerospace. With the increasing reliance on helium in various applications, companies like North American Helium are investing heavily in exploration and production in Saskatchewan’s southwest.

At the Antelope Lake facility, the process of purifying helium is a complex and highly automated operation. The gas is extracted from the wells, then undergoes a series of purification steps to remove impurities like nitrogen and water. The final product, pure helium gas, is then transported in specially designed trucks to be liquified in facilities in the United States.

Despite the abundance of helium in recent years, industry experts like Chris Bakker see potential for growth and expansion in the Canadian market. The lack of a domestic helium liquifier presents challenges for producers, who must rely on foreign facilities for processing. However, there is a growing push to establish a Canadian liquifier, which would streamline the supply chain and open up new opportunities for exporting helium to global markets.

The Canadian government plays a crucial role in supporting the development of the helium industry. By adding helium to the list of critical minerals eligible for a federal exploration tax credit, it would incentivize investment and promote growth in the sector. With the right policies and infrastructure in place, Canada could establish itself as a key player in the global helium market.

As the industry continues to evolve, the Canadian helium sector is poised for significant growth and innovation. By investing in exploration, production, and infrastructure, companies like North American Helium and Avanti Helium Corp. are paving the way for a brighter future for helium production in Canada. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and global competitiveness, the Canadian helium industry is on track to become a major player in the global energy market.