Released on April 2, 2026
With two new mines advancing toward construction after receiving federal approval, Saskatchewan’s growing uranium sector is creating new jobs and economic opportunities for northern Saskatchewan.
On February 19, 2026, Denison Mines Corp.’s (Denison) was approved to construct its Wheeler River Project by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). On March 5, 2026, NexGen Energy Ltd. (NexGen) received CNSC approval to build its Rook I Project. These are the first Canadian uranium mines to be approved for construction since 2004.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to see Denison and NexGen reach this significant stage with their projects,” Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry said. “At each step of the approval process, these companies have advanced their projects responsibly by building relationships with local communities and through their commitment to environmental stewardship. Wheeler River and Rook I will provide generational economic opportunities for Saskatchewan people, particularly the Indigenous and Métis communities in the north, and strengthen our position in becoming the world leader in uranium production.”
“Well over a decade ago, we made a strategic decision to exit our international operations and to make significant long-term investments in the uranium mining sector in northern Saskatchewan,” Denison President and CEO David Cates said. “Today, we have a diverse portfolio of projects including our flagship Wheeler River project – which consists of the Phoenix In-Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium mine, and a potential future underground mine at the nearby Gryphon deposit. Phoenix will be the first ISR uranium mine to be built in Canada and reflects the best of Canadian mining ingenuity and determination.
“Further to this, I am pleased to announce that site preparation and initial construction activities have already commenced at Phoenix, and that we are preparing to transition into full-scale construction. The support and encouragement of the Saskatchewan government have meaningfully contributed to the successful advancement of the project – providing us with a rigorous and stable regulatory environment that results in the predictability and confidence needed for a large-scale investment like a new mine.”
“Our final approval of the Rook I Project on March 5, 2026, represents the beginning of construction of this generational project, which the NexGen team have been preparing for since the Arrow discovery 12 years ago,” NexGen Founder and CEO Leigh Curyer said. “As a world-class project in a leading mining jurisdiction, Rook I will create opportunities in employment, local procurement, and community infrastructure, while generating an initial estimated $32.5 billion in total economic impact for Saskatchewan over its construction and initial operations phases. This will mean generational careers and investments available for infrastructure in the North and across the province.
In collaboration with our Indigenous Nation partners and with the support of Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan, together we are transitioning mining into a new era. Backed by our team’s proven capability and focus, NexGen is ready to successfully deliver this project for the benefit of all Saskatchewan residents. We thank Premier Moe and this Saskatchewan Government for its steadfast support of the project and commend its vision for a strong, prosperous future for Saskatchewan.”
Both Wheeler River and Rook I are located in northern Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin, which holds the world’s largest high grade uranium reserves. Combined, the projects will create over 1,600 jobs during construction, employ over 700 people during operation, and represent a total estimated investment of $2.8 billion.
Demand for Saskatchewan’s responsibly produced uranium continues to increase as Canada and its allies around the world look for stable and reliable sources of low-emissions energy. With a strong regulatory framework, the world’s richest uranium reserves, and strong exploration incentive programs, Saskatchewan can meet this demand now and into the future.
Saskatchewan’s existing uranium sector is responsible for over 3,300 jobs including direct employees and contractors. The uranium industry is a major employer of northern and Indigenous workers, with 43 per cent of mine site workers being residents of Saskatchewan’s north.
-30-
For more information, contact: