The Saskatchewan government has granted provincial environmental approval to Denison Mines’ Wheeler River project, marking a crucial step toward the development of the first uranium mine by In Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium mine in Canada.
A strategic regulatory breakthrough
The permit, issued under the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act, allows Denison to proceed with construction plans for the Phoenix ISR mine, located in the Wheeler River deposit. This approval was achieved after strategic harmonization with the federal environmental assessment, which significantly reduces the risk of regulatory delays.
According to Denison, both the technical process and the Environmental Impact Statement were previously validated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), allowing for a smooth continuation of the remaining permits at the federal level.
Wheeler River has global potential
Wheeler Riverlocated in the Athabasca Basin, hosts two uranium deposits in the high-grade uranium deposits deposits: Phoenix and Gryphon. Denison controls 90% of the project, while the remaining 10% is owned by JCU (Canada) Exploration Company. The company has presented technical studies that position both deposits among the most competitive in the world in terms of production costs.
Phoenix, in particular, will be mined using ISRa method with less environmental impact than conventional mining. This type of mining, common in countries such as Kazakhstan, is a pioneer in Canada.
Institutional support and next stage
The approval was publicly endorsed by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Environment Minister Travis Keisig. Both highlighted the importance of the project in strengthening the province’s energy sector and generating employment in northern communities.
Denison still needs to still needs to complete two regulatory steps to start construction: obtaining the provincial permit for the to start construction: obtaining the provincial permit for the pollutant control facility and final approval of the environmental assessment by the federal government, along with the construction license. These steps will be discussed at CNSC public hearings scheduled for October and December 2025.
A breakthrough for sustainable mining
Denison CEO David Cates underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration with indigenous communities and local authorities during the process.
The Phoenix ISR mine could set a new standard for uranium mining in the country.
He stated.
With this approval, Canada is one step closer to incorporating new technology technologys sustainable technologies to its energy matrix and strengthen its role in the world uranium market.
Source: Denison Mines
Photo: Shutterstock
