Judicial Review Impacts Denison Mines and Wheeler River Project
Denison Mines Corp. acknowledges a recent application for a judicial review filed in the Court of King's Bench for Saskatchewan by the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN). This application seeks to set aside the Province's approval under The Environmental Assessment Act, which allows Denison to proceed with its plans for a new uranium mine and processing facility at the Wheeler River Project.
Understanding the Judicial Review Application
The judicial review, filed against both the Government of Saskatchewan and Denison, claims that the government did not adequately consult with PBCN regarding the development of the Project. This consultation is crucial for ensuring that the interests and rights of Indigenous populations are acknowledged and respected in resource development initiatives.
Denison’s Commitment to Indigenous Engagement
In response to the claims made in the Application, Denison has highlighted its commitment to thorough Indigenous engagement and consultation efforts related to the Project. The company believes that the Government of Saskatchewan conducted a thorough consultation process prior to granting the Ministerial approval.
Denison has engaged with PBCN since early 2023 and provided the nation with an opportunity to review the draft Environmental Impact Statement starting from late 2022. Recently, Denison entered into an agreement with PBCN to support their environmental monitoring activities, further demonstrating their commitment to cooperation and transparency.
Denison's Stance on the Claims
Denison firmly denies the claims made in the Application and is prepared to refute several statements presented. As an operator on the Wheeler River Project, Denison intends to actively defend against the orders requested by PBCN and maintain the current course of the Project.
Details of the Wheeler River Project
The Wheeler River Project stands out as the largest undeveloped uranium project within the eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin. It hosts high-grade uranium deposits such as the Phoenix and Gryphon, which Denison discovered in 2008 and 2014, respectively. As a significant part of Denison's operations, the Project aims to utilize in-situ recovery (ISR) mining methods for efficient uranium extraction.
Recent technical reports have been filed, detailing a feasibility study on the ISR mining of the Phoenix deposit while providing a cost update to the 2018 Pre-Feasibility Study for the Gryphon deposit. These reports affirm Denison’s commitment to advancing these high-potential mining projects while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Future Developments and Regulatory Processes
Efforts to permit the Phoenix ISR operation began in 2019 and have now entered the final stages, with the necessary approvals from the Province of Saskatchewan nearing completion. Denison is prepared for federal review processes in the coming months as they seek to finalize the necessary licenses for project construction.
About Denison Mines Corporation
Denison Mines Corp. operates as a uranium mining, exploration, and development company. Its primary focus lies in the Athabasca Basin region, where it holds a 90% ownership in the Wheeler River Project, in conjunction with JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited, which owns the remaining 10%. Denison also has interests in multiple other projects within Saskatchewan, including a significant stake in the McClean Lake Joint Venture.
Founded in 1954, Denison has an established history of exploration and mining in uranium, recently celebrating 70 years in the industry. Through various joint ventures and partnerships, Denison has established ownership across approximately 384,000 hectares within the Basin, ensuring a strategic position in the uranium market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wheeler River Project?
The Wheeler River Project is the largest undeveloped uranium project located in the Athabasca Basin, featuring high-grade uranium deposits.
Who filed the judicial review application?
The application was filed by the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation against the Government of Saskatchewan and Denison Mines Corp.
What are the claims made in the judicial review?
The claims center around inadequate consultation with PBCN regarding the Project's Environmental Assessment approval.
How is Denison responding to the judicial review?
Denison denies the claims made in the application and will vigorously defend itself as well as its consultation processes.
What is Denison’s commitment to Indigenous communities?
Denison is dedicated to reconciliation, engaging with Indigenous communities, and incorporating their insights into project planning to minimize impact.
