Denison Mines Corp. has achieved a significant regulatory milestone, receiving official approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to construct a uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan. This decision advances the Wheeler River Project, positioning it to become the province's newest uranium mining operation since Cigar Lake commenced production in 2014.
A Nation-Building Endeavor
In a news release dated February 19, Denison President and CEO David Cates described the project as "a nation-building project that reflects the best of Canadian ingenuity and determination." He further characterized the CNSC's approval as a "landmark decision" for the Toronto-based company and its Indigenous partners.
Project Location and Timeline
The approved facility will be situated east of Cree Lake, approximately 600 kilometres north of Saskatoon, within the uranium-rich Athabasca Basin. The construction licence issued by the CNSC is valid until February 28, 2031. According to company plans, the mine is expected to take two years to build, with production targeted to begin in mid-2028.
Innovative Mining Method
This approval marks a historic first for Canada's uranium industry, as it authorizes the use of the in-situ recovery (ISR) mining method. This technique involves injecting a mining solution into narrow wells with diameters of four to eight inches to extract uranium. Denison's 2019 technical proposal highlighted that this method, to be used at the high-grade Phoenix deposit discovered in 2008, offers the potential for strong economics and superior sustainability standards compared to conventional mining.
Broader Context in Saskatchewan's Energy Sector
The development aligns with Saskatchewan's growing involvement in nuclear energy. The province has announced plans to establish a Small Modular Reactor Safety, Licensing, and Testing Centre at the University of Regina—the first such facility in Western Canada. Additionally, provincial authorities are exploring the construction of Saskatchewan's first small modular reactor in the Estevan area in the coming years.
Indigenous Partnership and Economic Benefits
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is a key local partner in the Wheeler River project. In December 2025, MN–S signed an impact benefit and exploration agreement with Denison, securing commitments for employment opportunities and royalties from resource extraction in return for their support.
Other Projects in the Region
The Wheeler River Project is part of a broader wave of uranium development in northern Saskatchewan. Other proposed initiatives include Paladin Energy's Patterson Lake South project and NexGen Energy's Rook I development, both of which are currently progressing through the required licensing and approval processes.
Uranium remains a critical fuel source for commercial nuclear reactors that generate electricity, underscoring the strategic importance of this new mining operation for both the regional economy and Canada's energy landscape.
