If all goes well, Saskatchewan may add helium to its resume of natural resources the province is recognized for, in addition to uranium and potash.

Saskatoon-based Royal Helium has started a three well drill program at Climax in the province’s southwest. The first well at the Climax Project is expected to take up to 30 days to drill, case, complete and test with the hope being drilling is done by the end of March.

Andrew Davidson says the helium industry is one that is far more than balloons. Royal Helium’s President and CEO says helium is used in things like MRI machines, space exploration and high-tech manufacturing

Canada has the fifth-largest helium resources in the world with significant underground reserves in Saskatchewan. In 2020, the Province noted that a global supply shortage has resulted in helium prices rising more than 160 per cent since 2017. (CKRM)