Denison Mines Marks Major Milestone with Full-Scale Construction at Phoenix Uranium Mine

Denison Mines Advances to Full-Scale Construction at Phoenix ISR Uranium Mine

Denison Mines Corp., a prominent player in uranium exploration and development, has recently reached a pivotal milestone with the transition from site preparation activities to full-scale construction at the Phoenix In-Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium mine. This progression marks a significant moment for the company and the future of uranium mining in Canada, especially as Phoenix represents the first large-scale uranium mine established in the country since the Cigar Lake mine.

Since early preparations kicked off in March 2026, Denison has made substantial strides in readying the site for construction. The initial phases included crucial activities such as site clearing, civil engineering works, and establishing operational facilities necessary for managing the construction process. Notably, Denison has successfully set up temporary accommodations, boosting the capacity on the Wheeler River property to accommodate around 400 personnel, thereby facilitating a ramp-up of on-site workforce participation.

Also noteworthy is the ongoing aggregate production from a neighboring quarry, essential for various civil infrastructure purposes. With the concrete batch plant now operational on-site, the company is gearing up for key concrete-related tasks starting this August, focused primarily on the foundation of the main processing plant and substations.

David Cates, President and CEO of Denison, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, "Completing the site-preparation activities needed to ramp up our on-site workforce and achieve a full-scale rate of construction is an important initial milestone for the Phoenix project. We have advanced in civil works significantly, with over 20% of overall site civil work accomplished to date."

The project also includes the nearly complete civil subgrade work necessary for the processing plant and wellfield areas, which are crucial for the upcoming concrete pouring and the installation of the perimeter freeze wall program. As the summer progresses, Denison anticipates construction activities to accelerate further, with the introduction of a second shift aimed at maximizing productivity. This operational enhancement will allow continuous construction efforts and drive toward achieving essential milestones, including concrete foundations for the processing plant, main power transformer, and other critical structures.

The Phoenix ISR uranium project sits within the larger Wheeler River project, which is recognized as the most promising undeveloped uranium project located in the eastern area of the Athabasca Basin an eminent mining region. The area boasts significant discoveries, including the high-grade uranium deposits at Phoenix and Gryphon, highlighting Denison’s pivotal role in these developments.

Following a comprehensive technical report released in August 2023, detailing findings from the Phoenix Feasibility Study and updates on the Gryphon deposit, Denison is poised for competitive mining operations. With permitting efforts that began in 2019, the company secured crucial approvals, notably the Environmental Assessment finalized in July 2025 and the construction license granted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in February 2026.

As Denison progresses with the Phoenix project, the company remains focused on upholding safe and sustainable practices, aligning with corporate values and community interests. The future of the Phoenix mine holds promise not only for Denison but also for the long-term vitality of Canada’s uranium sector, as renewed investments signal a commitment to harnessing vital natural resources responsibly.

In conclusion, the advancement to full-scale construction at the Phoenix ISR uranium mine by Denison Mines Corp. serves as a hallmark for the company's continued growth and development within the uranium mining landscape. As the construction phase unfolds, all eyes are on Denison's strategic movements and expected contributions to the mining industry, setting the stage for a revitalized sector with robust operational capabilities.