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

Public hearings have commenced in Saskatoon regarding the proposed Wheeler River Project, marking the first time in two decades that a uranium mine has sought regulatory approval in Canada. The hearings, conducted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), are taking place at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel and will run until March 15, 2024. The focus is on environmental assessments and consultations with Indigenous communities, with the aim of addressing public concerns before a final decision is made.

According to Candace Salmon, Commissioner Registrar for the CNSC, these hearings provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions. “It’s a chance to get everyone together for the commission to hear what it is that people are concerned about and be able to consider that in making their decision,” she stated. The CNSC is responsible for ensuring the safety of people and the environment while regulating the nuclear industry across Canada.

The proposed mine, owned by Denison Mines Corp., utilizes an in-situ recovery method and is situated at the southwestern edge of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. The hearings represent a crucial step for Denison in securing the necessary licenses and federal approval to proceed with construction. As David Cates, CEO and President of Denison, noted, “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 English River First Nation, whose lands are within the Athabasca Basin, has been involved in consultations with Denison for nearly ten years. Cheyenna Hunt, a representative of the First Nation, emphasized that their relationship with Denison differs significantly from past interactions with other mining companies. “Our history with the uranium industry partners has been one that I likened to an arranged marriage, where our nation never really got a choice as to whether those uranium mines got built or not,” she explained. Hunt acknowledged that Denison’s approach has been more inclusive, with Indigenous concerns being prioritized from the onset.

Hunt initially expressed skepticism about the project’s necessity, asking, “Why do we need another uranium mine in our backyard?” However, following discussions focused on treaty and environmental rights, she reached a more neutral stance. Denison’s commitment to addressing community concerns, including protections for traditional land use and opportunities for training and employment, has fostered a positive dialogue.

During the hearings, participants raised additional concerns about potential water contamination, increased traffic on local roads, and the technology employed in the mining process. The Wheeler River Project is located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Cameco’s McArthur River mine, which is known for its significant uranium deposits.

The project is estimated to generate around $1.7 billion in income taxes and royalties, with an anticipated workforce of 300 to 400 people during the two-year construction phase. Once operational, the mine is expected to employ 150 people for a decade. Cates highlighted the project’s potential to provide enough uranium to power around one million homes for 100 years, stating, “It allows us to rely on this economic engine of Saskatchewan to support climate change.”

In total, 16 presenters are scheduled to speak during the hearings. The CNSC will take up to 120 days to reach a decision regarding the project after the hearings conclude. The regulatory path for Denison is reminiscent of other uranium projects in the region, including the Cigar Lake mine, which faced significant delays before its completion in 2014 after receiving initial regulatory approval in 2005.

The outcome of these hearings will have lasting implications for both the local communities and the future of uranium mining in Canada. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy sources, the balance between resource development and environmental stewardship remains a central theme in this ongoing discussion.