Saskatchewan’s final 2026 public offering of helium and associated gases Crown permits generated more than $4.9 million in revenue, with all eight permits receiving successful bids, according to the Government of Saskatchewan.
The Nov. 6 results cover a total area of 208,839 hectares across the province, the Ministry of Energy and Resources said.
Millennium Land Ltd. tops bidding
Millennium Land Ltd. placed the single highest bid of the sale, offering $1,198,327 for a permit located southwest of Moose Jaw, the province said.
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The company bid on five permits in total, spending roughly $3 million for approximately 106,354 hectares, according to the release.
Synergy Lands Services Ltd. was the only other successful bidder in the offering, paying approximately $1.9 million for three permits covering a combined 102,484 hectares.
New bidding system mirrors oil and gas sales
This marked the third public offering of helium and associated gases Crown permits held this year, which officials say reflects ongoing industry interest in Saskatchewan’s helium and natural hydrogen potential.
The ministry launched the public offering system this fiscal year to meet growing demand for exploration rights, modelling it on the competitive bidding processes already used for Crown petroleum and natural gas, potash and brine lithium rights.
Since introducing the helium and associated gases offering process in June 2026, the province has collected a total of $23.3 million in revenue, money officials say helps fund public services such as education and health care.
The next helium and associated gases public offering is scheduled for April 5, 2027, the ministry said.
Saskatchewan’s role as a helium producer
Saskatchewan is Canada’s largest helium producer, accounting for roughly 3.5 per cent of the world’s supply, according to the province.
Helium is used as a coolant in medical, manufacturing, defence and space exploration technologies.
The province also has known geological occurrences of natural hydrogen, which officials say has drawn recent exploration interest and promising development opportunities.
The helium offering comes as Saskatchewan’s broader resource sector continues to post strong returns, following recent results such as the Crown sector’s reported $68 million dividend and $2.1 billion in procurement and a rise in provincial exports, with exports climbing 15 per cent as farmers and oil producers ship more product.
