Denison Mines' Phoenix ISR receives federal licence for Wheeler River construction

Regulatory milestone ends multi‑year review for Wheeler River

Denison Mines says Canada’s federal nuclear regulator approves the Environmental Assessment and issues the Licence to Prepare Site & Construct for its Phoenix in‑situ recovery (ISR) uranium project at Wheeler River, clearing the final federal hurdle to begin construction. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s administrative tribunal delivers the licence after a recently completed public hearing and what Denison describes as a seven‑year program of studies, engagement and regulatory review. The licence specifically authorizes site preparation and construction of a mine and mill at Wheeler River.

Phoenix approval marks a technical and regulatory first for Canada, with Denison calling the decision a landmark achievement for the company, its staff, Indigenous partners and other stakeholders. Company executives say Phoenix is the first uranium mine in Canada approved for ISR mining and the first large‑scale Canadian uranium mine approved for construction in more than 20 years, a milestone they frame as reflecting Canadian ingenuity and stringent safety and environmental standards. Denison thanks the Commission and CNSC staff for delivering a positive result and says the project demonstrates compliance with national regulatory expectations.

The licence moves Denison from a multi‑year permitting and consultation phase into construction readiness, enabling planned capital deployment and community partnership work. The company’s board and management say they will finalize detailed engineering, procurement schedules and financing plans while maintaining regulatory reporting, monitoring commitments and ongoing consultations with Indigenous communities, provincial authorities and local stakeholders as mobilization proceeds. Denison frames the development as having potential economic and employment benefits for the region.

Provincial approvals and local engagement set stage

Denison notes that provincial environmental assessment approval and other Saskatchewan permits are already in place, and that the federal decision follows extensive consultation with Indigenous groups and local communities. The company highlights an extensive public hearing process that informs conditions attached to the licence and ongoing monitoring requirements.

Next steps focus on engineering, procurement and financing

Denison’s immediate operational priorities include detailed engineering work, procurement planning and securing financing to support construction. The company emphasizes continued collaboration with partners and regulators as it transitions from permitting to the construction readiness phase.