#Canada #Toronto #Denison Mines #Wheeler River #PBCN

Denison Mines Responds to Judicial Review Application

Denison Mines Corp., a prominent entity in uranium mining, has officially responded to an application for judicial review concerning its Wheeling River Project, located in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. This legal application was lodged by the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) and targets the environmental assessment approval granted to Denison by the provincial government.

The application seeks to overturn the approval given for the construction of a new uranium mine and processing plant at the Wheeler River site. PBCN alleges that the Government of Saskatchewan did not adequately consult them prior to granting this approval, which is mandated under The Environmental Assessment Act.

In its defense, Denison asserts that it has made significant efforts in engaging and consulting with Indigenous communities, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with PBCN. The company is confident that the government’s consultation process was thorough and met the requirements set forth by law.

Denison has been in direct dialogue with PBCN since March 2023, after becoming aware of their interest in the Wheeler River Project. Furthermore, Denison provided PBCN with a draft of the Environmental Impact Statement for review in November 2022. Recently, the two parties entered into an agreement for environmental monitoring, illustrating Denison's dedication to addressing the concerns raised by PBCN.

The Wheeler River Project is noteworthy as it houses high-grade uranium deposits, including the Phoenix and Gryphon deposits, discovered by Denison in 2008 and 2014 respectively. Denison operates under a joint venture structure, retaining a 90% stake in the project alongside JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited, which holds the remaining interest. A technical report released in August 2023 confirmed the project's potential viability with respect to low-cost uranium mining operations, and permitting activities are nearing completion.

While Denison respects the legal process, it firmly denies the allegations made in the current judicial review application. The company plans to vigorously defend its actions and the legitimacy of the environmental assessment process undertaken by Saskatchewan’s government. Denison remains steadfast in its belief that the project aligns with not only regulatory expectations but also with its ethos of responsible mining and community engagement.

As the situation evolves, Denison remains committed to reconciliation with Indigenous communities, acknowledging the importance of Indigenous knowledge in their operational framework and continuing to strive for a collaborative approach.

In conclusion, this judicial review marks a significant moment for Denison Mines as it navigates the complexities of mining advocacy amidst the environmental regulatory landscape. The outcome of this challenge will be pivotal, not only for the company's future endeavors but also for the ongoing relationship between the mining sector and Indigenous communities.

For further updates and detailed reports, stakeholders can monitor Denison's communications via their official website and relevant regulatory bodies.