Construction has officially commenced on a new uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan. NexGen Energy Ltd. is constructing an underground uranium mine in the southern Athabasca Basin, approximately 130 kilometers north of La Loche. The company plans to invest $2.2 billion over the four-year construction period to develop one of the world’s largest new uranium sources.
During a groundbreaking event at the mine site, Premier Scott Moe, former prime minister Stephen Harper, and local leaders from Metis Nation-Saskatchewan and Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger addressed the attendees. Initial construction activities are focused on surface infrastructure, with shaft development scheduled to commence in 2027. Additionally, the existing 914-meter airstrip is being expanded to 1,780 meters.
NexGen CEO Leigh Curyer reflected on the challenging journey leading up to the project’s realization. The company initially encountered setbacks in 2012, but a breakthrough came in 2014 when mineralization was discovered on the eighth drill hole, marking the beginning of what Curyer described as a pivotal energy project on a global scale.
The mine is expected to address the rising demand for electricity, with Curyer emphasizing the strategic significance of uranium as a vital resource in the evolving energy landscape. NexGen estimates an annual production capacity of up to 30 million pounds (over 13,000 tonnes) of uranium, representing around 20% of the current global supply.
In March, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted NexGen a construction and milling license, with future approval required for operational activities. Once operational, the mine is projected to create 459 full-time jobs and operate for a lifespan of 24 years, with ongoing exploration activities hinting at potential uranium reserves in the vicinity.
The company has secured agreements with Indigenous communities, including Clearwater River Dene Nation, Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan, focusing on mutual benefits such as employment opportunities, training provisions, and financial support for local businesses.
Premier Scott Moe highlighted the economic prospects associated with the project, emphasizing the importance of ethical resource development that benefits local communities and contributes to global energy needs. Uranium mining plays a significant role in the province, providing employment for over 2,300 individuals, with nearly half of the workforce comprising northern residents, according to the Saskatchewan Mining Association.
In alignment with sustainable development practices, NexGen has collaborated with Indigenous partners to build a hotel in La Loche, supporting local infrastructure and economic growth. Meanwhile, Denison Mines Corp. is underway with the construction of the Phoenix uranium mine and mill site in the Athabasca Basin, introducing innovative in-situ recovery methods to extract uranium reserves efficiently.
Overall, the uranium mining projects in northern Saskatchewan signify a strategic step towards meeting energy demands while fostering economic opportunities and community development in the region.
