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Helium gas drilling in exploratory phase by the city of Medicine Hat

Sep 7, 2017 | 5:50 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – The city of Medicine Hats is exploring drilling and refining helium gas in south east Alberta and south west Saskatchewan.

Brad Maynes, General Manager of NGPR said they believe there are unique geological properties under the area and it could have potential revenue.

The United States has been the major supplier of helium gas to the North American market but Maynes said they have depleted their reserves and he expects the demand to rise in the next 3-4 years.

“Helium is in so many things that we use, it’s in our smart phones, it’s in our laptops, tablets, you go to the hospital there is probably helium associated in some way in many of the procedures, so it’s a very important strategic commodity and we want to be part of it,” he explained.

The city plans to start drilling exploratory helium wells this fall, and have 5-6 drilled by the second quarter of next year.

Mayne said it could potentially create jobs within the city, local suppliers and businesses while in the exploration and drilling phase of the wells. He went on to explain if the exploration phase is successful there could be the opportunity for further job creation with the production phase in terms of construction jobs associated with facilities and long term jobs associated with the actual operation and maintenance of the facility.

City council will be presented with the results of the helium wells in 6-9 months. Mayne said the city will then be able to decide what the next step for potential development will be.