Brian Zinchuk is editor and owner of Pipeline Online
Helium Evolution’s first well. Photo courtesy Yasmin Abdul
REGINA – As Saskatchewan has substantially grown its helium industry, there was one regulatory item that had been neglected – updating the manner in which mineral rights were obtained. For many decades, ti was a first-come, first-served basis, at a fixed rate that was all but free. Literally, the price per hectare was next to nothing. Vast tracts of land were obtained for the cost of a well-equipped pickup truck.
That all changed this June, with the announcement on June 26 that the province had just concluded its first Crown land sale for helium and other gases (including hydrogen), and the results were comparable to the June Crown land sale for petroleum.
And then there’s the natural hydrogen factor, yet another emerging industry accomplished through the drill bit.
The Ministry of Energy and Resources launched and completed its first-ever helium and associated gases Crown public offering, held on June 22, 2026. According to a June 26 press released, “This new process will strengthen the province’s transparent and competitive environment for acquiring mineral rights and increase investment opportunities in Saskatchewan’s emerging helium and natural hydrogen sector.”
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
All of this comes as the global helium industry has faced significant disruption due to the Iran War. A significant portion of global helium production comes from the Persian Gulf area, and has been impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Quatari natural gas facilities which also produce helium.
“The launch of this new process is an important step in our government’s continued efforts to grow Saskatchewan’s helium sector, and to support potential development opportunities for natural hydrogen,” Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry said. “I am confident that this public offering process provides a fair and competitive way for industry to acquire mineral rights, strengthening our provincial economy.”
Rising demand for helium and natural hydrogen rights led the Ministry of Energy and Resources to introduce a public offering system similar to existing processes used for Crown petroleum and natural gas, potash and lithium from brine.
The June 22, 2026, offering raised $15.9 million for the province, with Millennium Land Ltd. acquiring all 15 helium and associated gases permits, totaling more than 267,334 hectares. In comparison, the June 2 petroleum land sale brought in $17,747,732 in revenue for a total a total area of 28,833 hectares.
The highest overall bid was for $2.39 million for a parcel southwest of Regina. The permits grant the holder exclusive rights to explore for helium, natural hydrogen and other associated gases in Southern Saskatchewan for a six-year term. So, like oil and gas leases, use it or lose it.
The Ministry of Energy and Resources expects to hold two more public offerings this fiscal year, one in late August and the other in the Fall, creating additional opportunities for companies to acquire helium and associated gases mineral rights.
The release noted, “Saskatchewan is Canada’s largest helium producer, supplying roughly three per cent of global demand. Through the Helium Action Plan, the province is working to increase production to 10 per cent of the world’s helium by 2030. The province also has natural hydrogen potential, with recent exploration activity highlighting strong interest and development opportunities.”
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
Here’s the Q&A provided by the Ministry of Energy and Resources:
- Have you done this type of public offering for helium and other gases previously? If not, why is the province doing this now? Saskatchewan is launching its first ever competitive public offering for helium and associated gases. The Ministry of Energy and Resources already runs similar offerings for subsurface minerals, as well as oil and gas and this process follows those established models. This public offering is a response to growing industry interest in helium and natural hydrogen. It creates a fair, transparent and competitive system for awarding crown rights.
- How big is Saskatchewan’s helium sector right now, and where does Saskatchewan helium go? Saskatchewan currently produces about three per cent of the world’s helium, with a goal to increase that share to 10 per cent by 2030 under the province’s Helium Action Plan. Helium is produced in southern Saskatchewan and is purified on site. Then it is transported to the United States for liquefaction. From there, it is distributed to customers around the world, including back into Canada.
- Will there be more Helium and Associated Gases Public Offerings like this in the future? If so, how will this affect Saskatchewan’s broader helium industry? The Ministry of Energy and Resources expects to hold two additional public offerings for helium and associated gases this fiscal year, in response to growing industry interest. While future industry demand can’t be predicted with certainty, the Ministry expects these public offerings to drive continued interest in this sector, which will support increased exploration and development of helium and natural hydrogen across Saskatchewan.
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
- Why did you put just these parcels up for bidding? Are there more available, and will those be included in the next public offering? The Ministry of Energy and Resources received strong interest in this public offering. Not all nominated lands could be included. Remaining parcels will be offered in future public offerings. The number of lands reviewed and posted will vary depending on the volume and complexity of industry nominations.
- What happens after a company’s bid for a land parcel is accepted? Helium and associated gases permits are issued to the successful bidder for a six-year primary term, allowing time for exploration. Production can only begin once the permit is converted into a lease.
- I heard that helium companies have been operating in Saskatchewan already. How did they get access to land before this public offering system was put in place? Previously, companies could acquire Crown helium and associated gases dispositions on a first-come-first-serve basis. With increased demand, the Government of Saskatchewan is moving to a public offering model, to ensure a more transparent, competitive and effective allocation process.
- How does this impact Saskatchewan’s other subsurface resource industries? The Helium and Associated Gases Public Offering aligns how Crown permits are issued with established processes for petroleum and natural gas, and for subsurface minerals such as potash and lithium from brine. This creates a more consistent, competitive investment environment across resource sectors and supports stronger exploration, development and production opportunities.
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
- Why is it important to develop Saskatchewan’s helium sector? It seems like we don’t contribute very much anyway. Helium is a critical mineral with growing global demand. In its liquid form, it’s essential for advanced technologies, including MRI medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing and in defence and space exploration. Canada holds the world’s fifth-largest helium reserves, and is one of the few countries with a stable, secure supply. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts have disrupted global supply chains, increasing demand and underscoring the need for reliable sources. Expanding Saskatchewan’s helium sector also creates an opportunity to build Canada’s first commercial-scale liquefaction facility – strengthening domestic supply and enabling exports to global markets. Growing this sector will diversify the provincial economy, attract investment, increase exports and create jobs.
- What commodities are included in the term “associated gases?”Does that include natural gas? The Oil and Gas Tenure Registry Regulations defines associated gases as naturally occurring non-hydrocarbon gases. This includes all elemental gases such as hydrogen and helium, but excludes natural gas.
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
- What is natural hydrogen? Is there active interest in natural hydrogen in Saskatchewan? Hydrogen is a clean energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions when used. It is widely used in industrial processes, including fertilizer manufacturing and oil refining. Natural hydrogen occurs underground, and differs from manufactured hydrogen produced through industrial processes. Saskatchewan’s geology is well suited for natural hydrogen development, and industry interest is growing. This public offering process for helium and associated gases creates a pathway for hydrogen development alongside more established sectors like helium.
- Is there any work being done on natural hydrogen in Saskatchewan? Are companies interested in it? Yes, several companies have expressed interest to the Ministry of Energy and Resources about exploring for and developing natural hydrogen in Saskatchewan.
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001
So what does all this mean for helium producers? This is what Helium Evolution posted in June 29 news release:
Saskatchewan Land Tenure Update
The Government of Saskatchewan has updated its helium land tenure framework, materially reducing the Company’s land retention costs and extending tenure certainty across its Saskatchewan land base.
Under the revised framework, over 5 million acres of HEVI’s Crown helium lands will be eligible for conversion to new six-year terms at annual rental rates ranging between $0.02 and $0.10 per acre, while approximately 0.1 million acres have been converted to 21-year leases at a revised rate of $0.50 per acre through 2030. This reduction in land carrying costs will allow the Company to allocate capital toward higher-impact helium exploration and development activities, expected to continue in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The updated framework reflects the thoughtful policy approach of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources, under the leadership of Minister Chris Beaudry, recognizing that helium exploration and development cycles are generally longer than conventional oil and gas cycles before commercial production is achieved. The new land tenure framework acknowledges the substantial exploration and development investment already made by HEVI and other helium developers in establishing Saskatchewan as a commercial helium basin and creates policy certainty to support further private investment.
“Saskatchewan has established itself as one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world for helium development, with a 4.25% royalty rate, a modernized land tenure system, and now this latest land sale result reinforcing the value of a basin that continues to attract serious capital,” said Malcolm Adams, President and CEO of HEVI. “Together, these developments underscore both the improving economics of our existing land position and the growing recognition of southern Saskatchewan as a world-class helium basin.”
“For HEVI, this is a meaningful and positive policy change,” said Adams. “It reduces our annual land carrying costs by more than 90%, strengthens the value of our Saskatchewan land position, and allows us to direct more capital toward exploration and development for the benefit of our shareholders.”
Saskatchewan Crown Land Offering Results
Separately, the Province’s most recent Crown helium and associated gases public offering, held June 22, 2026, generated total proceeds of approximately $15.9 million across 660,597 acres. Bidding was particularly strong for parcels located adjacent to HEVI’s north-east land, with the winning bids on multiple parcels ranging between approximately $41 and $81 per acre, materially above the offering’s overall average. HEVI views this result as continued third-party validation of the value of its Saskatchewan land base.
- 0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean0130 SKTL_Starlink_Ranch_16x9_Clean
- 0129 Turnbull drivers operators0129 Turnbull drivers operators
- 0128 OSY Rentals updated0128 OSY Rentals updated
- 0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_0126 Steel_Reef_Promo_
- 0125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_20250125 SASPO-2896_Right of Way_Awareness_2025
- 0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages0123 Pride Upkeep 2026 packages
- 0118 IBEW 30 sec0118 IBEW 30 sec
- 0114 Prospera Bold Vision0114 Prospera Bold Vision
- 0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer0113 Miller Epic Cinematic Hollywood trailer
- 0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended0102 Lori Carr Coal Extended
- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001