Construction on Canada’s largest helium purification operation is underway in southwestern Saskatchewan.

Located near Battle Creek, the project is scheduled to be completed in 2021 with construction expected to start  this October.

“We are fortunate to be operating in a jurisdiction with a supportive regulatory structure, favorable geology for helium production and a skilled workforce,” North American Helium’s Chairman and CEO Nicholas Snyder said in a news release on Thursday. “The government has shown a commitment to the development of this industry in Saskatchewan, which will contribute new production needed to replace depleting natural-gas-linked helium sources in North America. Our Battle Creek project demonstrates that reliable long-term production of helium can be created from non-hydrocarbon sources, which means a smaller environmental footprint while still benefiting from the expertise developed in Saskatchewan’s oil service industry.”

Canada has the fifth-largest helium resources in the world, with significant underground reserves in Saskatchewan. Global demand for helium is increasing, as a global supply shortage has resulted in helium prices rising more than 160 per cent since 2017.

Battle Creek is located about 70 kilometres southwest of Maple Creek.