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14 min ago 2 min read
North American Helium has started production at its Stewart Valley helium purification facility in Saskatchewan, with a production rate of around 73 million cubic feet of helium per year (MMcf/y).
The plant is located on the Stewart Valley field, which independent evaluator Ryder Scott estimates holds 1.1 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of helium reserves, making it the largest helium field ever discovered in Canada.
North American Helium said helium produced at the site is being sold under long-term contracts to major global industrial gas distributors.
The Stewart Valley project moved from its initial discovery well to production in 13 months. The facility is now producing at capacity and is expected to maintain a flat production profile for up to nine years.
North American Helium plans to carry out further exploration drilling in the Stewart Valley area in Q4 2026.
The new facility is believed to be the largest helium production facility in Canada by output, surpassing the company’s .
North American Helium said the field’s higher helium content allows the plant to operate with a footprint and gross throughput 40% smaller than Battle Creek, while producing a similar volume of helium.
The project also supports plans for a regional helium liquefier in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. There are currently no helium liquefaction plants operating in Canada.
Nicolas Snyder, CEO of North American Helium, said, “Stewart Valley is a big step on the production side, and building the Swift Current liquefier is the next efficiency step.
“We expect this to unlock the next phase of growth of this regional industry, with an improved field-level price structure, and all from a stable region with access to infrastructure.”
North American Helium is working towards a final investment decision and funding announcement for the proposed facility, which it says would reduce the need to transport gaseous helium to the US for liquefaction.
