The provincial government has an action plan for Saskatchewan to become a world leader in helium production and export over the next decade, with the goal of supplying ten per cent of the global helium market share by 2030.

Energy and Resources Minister, Bronwyn Eyre, says there are high helium concentrations in Saskatchewan and some of the most attractive geology in the world for low-emission helium production.

The economic benefits, if this plan is achieved, include creating more than 500 new permanent jobs, supporting thousands of construction and service-sector jobs, and generating annual helium exports worth more than $500-million.

Last May, Saskatoon-based Royal Helium announced a significant helium discovery at its Climax project. President and CEO Andrew Davidson considers this a tremendous opportunity for Saskatchewan to become a major supplier of helium, which is critical for healthcare and high-tech industries.

In April, Calgary-based North American Helium opened its $30-million Battle Creek Purification Facility, the largest in Canada. Battle Creek is south of Cypress Hills.