Public Hearings Underway for Saskatchewan’s First Uranium Mine in 20 Years

Public hearings for the first uranium mine seeking regulatory approval in two decades commenced this week in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The hearings, organized by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), are examining the proposed Wheeler River Project by Denison Mines Corp. and are set to continue until Thursday. Key issues addressed include environmental assessments and consultations with Indigenous communities.

During the hearings, Candace Salmon, the commissioner registrar for the CNSC, emphasized the importance of gathering community concerns, stating, “It’s a chance to get everyone together for the commission to hear what it is that people are concerned about.” This phase of hearings follows an initial round that began in October.

The CNSC is tasked with overseeing the safety of people and the environment in Canada, particularly concerning nuclear energy. The Wheeler River Project, employing an In-situ recovery method, is located at the southwestern edge of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. These hearings represent a crucial step for Denison in securing the necessary licenses and federal approval to begin construction.

Denison’s CEO, David Cates, remarked, “Almost a precondition to having one of these hearings is that you’ve gone through years of rigorous and robust review to assess the technical merits of your project and the engagement efforts you’ve gone through.” The company has been in consultation with the English River First Nation for nearly ten years, ensuring that their concerns are addressed.

Cheyenna Hunt, a representative from the English River First Nation, highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement, stating, “Our history with the uranium industry partners has been one that I likened to an arranged marriage.” She noted that Denison’s approach differs significantly from past experiences with mining companies. “Denison started by ensuring treaty and environmental rights for my people. That got me to a neutral viewpoint on the project,” Hunt explained.

Concerns raised during the hearings included potential water contamination, increased traffic on local roads, and the mining technology that will be utilized. The Wheeler River Project is situated approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Cameco’s McArthur River mine, which is one of the largest uranium mines in the world.

Cates stated that the project could generate approximately $1.7 billion in income taxes and royalties. If approved, the construction phase is expected to employ between 300 and 400 people over a two-year period, while the mine would create around 150 permanent positions for its ten years of operation. He further noted that uranium extracted from the mine could provide enough electricity to power approximately one million homes for the next century.

Cates emphasized the balance between resource development and environmental goals, asserting, “It allows us to rely on this economic engine of Saskatchewan to support climate change.” He believes that this project demonstrates the feasibility of aligning resource extraction with climate objectives.

A total of 16 presenters are scheduled to speak at the hearings, which are being held at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel. After the hearings conclude, the CNSC will take up to 120 days to reach a decision regarding the preparation of the site and the issuance of the construction license.

In recent years, Cameco’s Cigar Lake mine completed construction in 2014 after receiving regulatory approval in 2005, although its build was delayed multiple times due to flooding issues. Another proposed uranium mine, NexGen’s Rook I, is expected to undergo its CNSC hearings in February.

As these hearings progress, they will play a pivotal role in determining the future of uranium mining in Saskatchewan, a region rich in mineral resources and home to various Indigenous communities.