Denison Mines receives Métis Nation–Saskatchewan approval for Wheeler River uranium mine

WATCH: Everyone was in a celebration mood Thursday with Métis Nation Saskatchewan officially signing off on Denison mines plans to build its Wheeler River uranium mine.

Dozens of delegates on behalf of Denison Mines Corp. and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan were in a celebratory mood Thursday as the two groups signed an Impact Benefit Agreement for the Wheeler River Project.

“The industry plays a factor in regards to how or what we’re going to create for our people to be able to be to be a part of development,” MN—S President Glen McCallum said in his opening remarks.

“Our project is in the Métis homeland,” Denison Mines CEO and President David Cates said. “And having this consent and support is significant for our ability to advance the project.”

The signing presentation on Thursday gathered MN—S members from across the province, in addition to senior leadership from the mining company at the Sheraton Cavalier to mark the milestone moment for the project and the partnership for years to come

“It’s a big thing. And we keep promoting economic development and education,” McCallum said. “But at the same time, educating our people on the ground to be able to capitalize on opportunities that are available to them.”

Situated on the southwestern edge of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, the Wheeler River project is located approximately 35 kilometres southeast of Cameco’s McCarthur River mine. Two high-grade uranium deposits have been found at Wheeler River: Pheonix and Gryphon.

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Discussions over a potential agreement began six years ago. Multiple speakers at Thursday’s event spoke of the efforts to reach an agreement.

“When we use the word partnership and collaboration, this (are) simplifying words because the backing behind these agreements are deep agreements that have considered the input and the importance of many different elements.”

The Impact Benefit Agreement furthers Denison and MN—S to retain environmental commitments, training and employment opportunities for Métis people and provide ongoing royalty from resources extracted from the Wheeler River mine to Métis citizens, a majority of which will be set aside for future generations.

“We’re players now. We’re being listened to, and we got to trust each other — and we do,” McCallum said.

Denison received environmental approvals from the province in July. After striking Thursday’s deal, the next — and perhaps most important — hurdle for Denison to clear is a set of public hearings from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The hearings are scheduled from Dec. 8 to 11 in Saskatoon.

If Denison gets approval from the commission, Cates said construction of the mine could begin as soon as March.