Construction has commenced on a new uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan. NexGen Energy Ltd. is constructing an underground uranium mine within the southern Athabasca Basin, approximately 130 kilometers north of La Loche. The company anticipates investing $2.2 billion over a four-year construction period for what is projected to be one of the globe’s most significant uranium sources.
A groundbreaking ceremony was conducted at the mine site on Thursday, where Premier Scott Moe and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, alongside local leaders from Metis Nation-Saskatchewan and Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger, addressed participants.
Development work has initiated on surface infrastructure, with shaft development slated to commence in 2027. The existing 914-meter airstrip is undergoing expansion to 1,780 meters.
Reflecting on the journey, NexGen CEO Leigh Curyer shared the challenges faced by the company, mentioning initial setbacks before discovering substantial mineralization. The mine is expected to play a critical role in meeting the escalating global demand for electricity.
Upon full operation, the mine is projected to generate 30 million pounds (over 13,000 tonnes) of uranium annually, constituting roughly 20% of the current worldwide supply. The company recently obtained a construction and milling license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, with an operational license application still pending.
NexGen foresees the creation of 459 full-time jobs once the mine is operational, with an estimated lifespan of 24 years. Ongoing exploration in the region suggests the potential for developing nearby promising uranium deposits in the future.
Endorsements from adjacent Indigenous communities have been secured, with agreements in place with Clearwater River Dene Nation, Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. These agreements typically involve commitments to employment, training opportunities, support for local businesses, and financial benefits.
Premier Scott Moe emphasized the significance of responsibly developing resources like uranium to benefit local populations and meet global energy demands. Uranium mining in Saskatchewan currently employs over 2,300 individuals, with nearly half residing in northern areas.
Additionally, NexGen is collaborating with Clearwater River Dene Nation and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Local 39 to construct a 59-bed hotel in La Loche. Another uranium mining project by Denison Mines Corp. is underway in the eastern Athabasca Basin region, with an estimated production start in 2028 and utilizing innovative in-situ recovery methods.