Saskatchewan Raises C$15.9M from Competitive Crown Land Sales for Helium and Natural Hydrogen Exploration

Saskatchewan has officially launched a competitive public offering system for helium and associated gas exploration rights, marking a significant policy shift for both the province's established helium industry and its emerging natural hydrogen sector. 

The Ministry of Energy and Resources completed its first-ever Crown land sale for helium and associated gases on June 22, replacing the previous first-come, first-served system that had governed mineral rights for decades. Under the new framework, exploration permits are awarded through competitive bidding, aligning helium and natural hydrogen rights with Saskatchewan's existing petroleum, potash and lithium tenure systems. 

The inaugural offering generated approximately C$15.9 million in revenue, with Millennium Land Ltd. successfully acquiring all 15 available permits covering more than 267,000 hectares. The permits grant exclusive rights to explore for helium, natural hydrogen and other associated non-hydrocarbon gases over a six-year primary term, after which successful projects may progress to lease status for production. 

According to the Ministry, the new process reflects growing industry interest in both helium and naturally occurring hydrogen while creating a more transparent and competitive system for allocating Crown mineral rights. Saskatchewan currently produces roughly 3% of global helium supply and aims to increase that share to 10% by 2030 under its Helium Action Plan. Officials also confirmed that several companies have expressed interest in developing the province's natural hydrogen resources, citing Saskatchewan's favourable geology for future exploration. 

The province expects to hold two additional helium and associated gas public offerings later this fiscal year, providing further opportunities for companies seeking exploration acreage as activity in both helium and natural hydrogen continues to expand across southern Saskatchewan. 

Full press release can be found here [EXTERNAL].