Helium company nears full operation of processing plant near Dinosaur Provincial Park

By Collin Gallant
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Royal Helium reported Aug. 21 that it has tied in wells and is close to commissioning its processing plant at Steveville, north of Dinosaur Provincial Park.

The Saskatoon-based company acquired the property in 2022 when it took over Imperial Helium in 2022, and this summer announced it acquired more rights in the area through the subsidiary. Construction of the initial gathering and concentration plant has been ongoing since June. Final assembly and commissioning continues, the release states.

“Having the full facility onsite is a major milestone and is a definitive message to all stakeholders and shareholders that this new industry in the Brooks region is now here, and is only the beginning for Alberta’s helium future,” said Andrew Davidson, president and CEO of Royal. “Plant operations personnel and services have been organized as we complete the final installation over the coming weeks, concurrent with commissioning, to be followed by full-scale production.”

Estimates provided in the Aug. 21 statement cite production of 22,000 mcf of helium per year from two Royal wells. Production of the inert, highly sought after gas is subject to an off-take contract priced at $625 per MCF.

The gas will be be further processed and liquefied in Colorado under a tolling arrangement.