Construction has commenced on a new uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, with NexGen Energy Ltd. leading the project. The underground mine, located in the southern Athabasca Basin, approximately 130 kilometers north of La Loche, is set to become one of the world’s primary uranium sources, with an estimated investment of $2.2 billion during the four-year construction period.
During a groundbreaking ceremony at the mine site, attended by Premier Scott Moe, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and local leaders from Metis Nation-Saskatchewan and Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger, construction activities were officially initiated. Progress has already begun on surface infrastructure, with shaft development scheduled to commence in 2027. Moreover, the existing 914-meter airstrip is being expanded to 1,780 meters to accommodate operational needs.
NexGen CEO Leigh Curyer reflected on the company’s journey, stating that after initial setbacks in 2012, the discovery of mineralization in 2014 marked a turning point for the project’s significance. Curyer emphasized the vital role of the mine in addressing the escalating global demand for electricity, underscoring the strategic importance of uranium as an energy resource.
The mine is projected to yield up to 30 million pounds (over 13,000 tonnes) of uranium annually, contributing substantially to the global uranium supply. Recently granted a construction license by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, NexGen is on track to create 459 full-time jobs once the mine is operational, with an expected lifespan of 24 years. Ongoing exploration in the region hints at additional uranium reserves that could be developed in the future.
NexGen has garnered support from nearby Indigenous communities, including Clearwater River Dene Nation, Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. These partnerships involve confidential benefit agreements focusing on employment opportunities, local business contracts, and financial incentives.
Premier Scott Moe highlighted the significance of responsible resource development in benefiting local communities and contributing to global energy needs. With uranium mining already employing over 2,300 individuals in Saskatchewan, Moe emphasized the importance of ethical resource extraction practices for sustainable economic growth.
In a separate development, Denison Mines Corp. is progressing with the construction of the Phoenix uranium mine and mill site in the eastern Athabasca Basin. With initial costs estimated at $600 million and potential production commencement in 2028, the Denison mine could become the first uranium project to employ an in-situ recovery method, enhancing operational efficiency.
Denison anticipates operating the mine for a decade, with proven and probable uranium reserves estimated at 56.7 million pounds. These developments signal a significant advancement in Saskatchewan’s uranium mining sector, aligning with the province’s commitment to responsible resource utilization and economic prosperity.