The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) has been an area of oil and gas exploration and development since the early 20th century. It has generated and continues to generate immense wealth for all Canadians. However, over the past several years, there has been a pivot to develop new types of subsurface resources. These resources include critical or strategic minerals such as helium. This gas is found trapped within deep strata overlying Precambrian structural highs. The ability of existing and planned sources of helium supply to meet future demand is highly uncertain, requiring the development of new resources. Helium found by Canadian operators can help to meet this demand, particularly for the expanding North American market. The Canadian industry is in a state of transition, with land positions now established and some of the early movers shifting from the exploration and development phase to successful commercialization.
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