Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission's decision to issue a licence to Denison Mines Corp. (Denison) to prepare a site for and construct its Wheeler River Project.
The proposed facility is a uranium mine and mill located in the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, approximately 600 km north of Saskatoon. It is located within Treaty 10 territory and the Homeland of the Métis, and is within the traditional territories of the Denesųłiné, Cree, and Métis.
In making its decision, the Commission carefully considered all submissions and perspectives received during a 2-part hybrid public hearing held in Gatineau, Quebec, on October 8, 2025, and in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from December 8 to 11, 2025. All public submissions are available on the CNSC website.
The licence is valid until February 28, 2031, and authorizes site preparation and construction activities under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The licence does not authorize the operation of the facility to be constructed. Authorization to operate the facility would be subject to a future Commission licensing hearing and decision, should Denison come forward with a licence application to do so.
