In a bid that could reshape Saskatchewan’s energy landscape, the province’s Crown petroleum and natural gas public offering, held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 raised more than 15 million dollars in revenue for provincial coffers. Estevan emerged as the front runner, generating the majority of revenue with $13,795,439.18 for 84 leases and two exploration licenses covering 9,797.237 hectares.

Of the 147 parcels put up for grabs during the auction, 123 received acceptable bids, covering a combined area of 16,065.020 hectares. Hummingbird Energy Inc., whose bid of $2,200,000 for a 193.711-hectare lease in the Frobisher Beds garnered widespread attention. This landmark bid, translating to an impressive $11,357.12 per hectare. Estevan further solidified its position as an oil frontier with two exploration licenses awarded to Crescent Point Energy Corp., totaling 2,092.343 hectares and offering promising prospects in the Bakken Formation.

The success story wasn’t limited to Estevan alone. The Lloydminster area also made a significant contribution to the auction, with bids totaling $1,425,234.16 for 32 leases spanning 4,841.643 hectares. Additionally, the Kindersley area added to the province’s revenue stream with bids amounting to $234,074.68.

This is the first of six scheduled public offerings for the fiscal year, setting a promising tone for Saskatchewan’s energy sector. The revenue generated surpasses the previous fiscal year’s earnings, showing growing interest and confidence in the province’s petroleum resources. With Companies like Hummingbird Energy Inc. and Crescent Point Energy Corp. spearheading exploration efforts, Saskatchewan’s oil and gas industry seems poised for a period of sustained growth and development.