North American Helium opens major purification facility in Saskatchewan

A major helium purification facility has commenced operations near Stewart Valley in southwestern Saskatchewan. Operated by Calgary-based North American Helium, the plant is expected to produce approximately 73 million cubic feet of helium annually.

The facility is projected to increase Saskatchewan’s helium exports by more than 40 per cent, strengthening the province’s status as Canada’s leading helium producer. According to North American Helium, an independent evaluator estimated that the Stewart Valley site holds 1.1 billion cubic feet of helium reserves.

Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry stated the project supports the diversification of the provincial resource economy. The expansion comes as global demand for helium rises for use in medical imaging, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The purification process involves separating helium from contaminants like nitrogen to achieve a purity level of 99 per cent.