Construction commences on a new uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, led by NexGen Energy Ltd. The underground mine, located in the southern Athabasca Basin, is approximately 130 kilometers north of La Loche. With an estimated expenditure of $2.2 billion during the four-year construction phase, this project is set to become one of the world’s significant uranium sources.
During a groundbreaking ceremony at the mine site, notable figures such as 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 focus on surface infrastructure, with shaft development slated to commence in 2027. Furthermore, an expansion of the current 914-meter airstrip to 1,780 meters is in progress.
NexGen CEO Leigh Curyer reflected on the journey leading to this milestone. Having started the project from scratch in 2012, the company encountered challenges initially. However, a breakthrough occurred in 2014 when mineralization was discovered on the eighth drill hole, marking the beginning of what Curyer described as a pivotal energy project globally.
The new mine is positioned to address the escalating demand for electricity, driven by technological advancements like artificial intelligence and electrification. Curyer emphasized the strategic importance of uranium as a vital resource amid the evolving energy landscape.
Once operational, the mine is projected to yield up to 30 million pounds of uranium annually, constituting around 20% of the current global supply. NexGen recently obtained a construction and milling license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, with plans to secure an operational permit in the future.
The development is expected to generate 459 full-time jobs and operate for 24 years. Ongoing exploration activities hint at potential uranium deposits in the vicinity that could be tapped into in the future. Notably, NexGen has garnered support from Indigenous communities neighboring the project site through benefit agreements that encompass various provisions such as employment guarantees and financial benefits.
Premier Scott Moe underscored the significance of responsible resource development, highlighting the economic opportunities and sustainable growth it brings to local communities. Saskatchewan’s thriving uranium mining sector, employing over 2,300 individuals, plays a pivotal role in the province’s economic landscape. Moe emphasized the importance of ethical resource utilization to meet the global demand for clean nuclear energy.
In a parallel endeavor, NexGen, in collaboration with Indigenous groups, is constructing a 59-bed hotel in La Loche to support local infrastructure development. Meanwhile, Denison Mines Corp. is progressing with the construction of the Phoenix uranium mine and mill site in the eastern Athabasca Basin, with an anticipated production commencement in 2028. This operation may introduce an innovative in-situ recovery method, indicative of evolving mining practices in the region.