Denison Mines Secures Regulatory Approval for Northern Saskatchewan Uranium Project
Denison Mines Corp. has received the crucial regulatory approval needed to move forward with constructing a uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, marking a significant milestone for the proposed Wheeler River Project. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced on February 19 that it has agreed to issue Denison a construction licence for the site, which remains valid until February 28, 2031.
Project Location and Significance
The facility will be situated east of Cree Lake, approximately 600 kilometres north of Saskatoon, within the uranium-rich Athabasca Basin. This development represents the first new uranium mine approval in Saskatchewan since the Cigar Lake mine commenced production in 2014. According to Denison president and CEO David Cates, "It is a nation-building project that reflects the best of Canadian ingenuity and determination."
Innovative Mining Method
This approval marks a historic first for Canadian uranium mining, as it represents the initial authorization to utilize the in-situ recovery (ISR) method. This technique involves injecting a mining solution into wells with diameters ranging from four to eight inches, as detailed in Denison's 2019 technical proposal. Cates emphasized that "owing to the use of the ISR mining method, Phoenix has the potential to generate strong economics while also achieving a superior standard of sustainability when compared to conventional mining methods."
Project Timeline and Details
The Wheeler River uranium project encompasses mining and milling operations targeting high-grade uranium from the Phoenix deposit, which Denison originally discovered in 2008. Construction is projected to span two years, with production expected to commence in mid-2028. The company has characterized this regulatory decision as a "landmark decision" for both the Toronto-headquartered corporation and its Indigenous partners.
Indigenous Partnerships and Provincial Context
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) stands as a key local partner in the Wheeler River initiative. In December 2025, MN–S announced it had signed an impact benefit and exploration agreement with Denison, committing Métis support in exchange for employment opportunities and royalties from resource extraction. This development aligns with Saskatchewan's broader nuclear energy ambitions, including plans for a Small Modular Reactor Safety, Licensing, and Testing Centre at the University of Regina—the first facility of its kind in Western Canada. The province also intends to construct its inaugural small modular reactor in the Estevan region in the coming years.
Broader Industry Implications
Uranium serves primarily as fuel for commercial nuclear reactors that generate electricity, positioning this approval within the context of a global nuclear energy resurgence. The regulatory green light for Denison's project represents a significant step forward for Canada's uranium industry and its role in the evolving energy landscape.
