Denison Mines Announces Key Hearing Dates for Phoenix ISR Project Approval

Introduction
Denison Mines Corp. has recently shared exciting news regarding the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's (CNSC) hearing for the Wheeler River Uranium Project. This significant development indicates the project is moving towards federal approval, a crucial step for its advancement. The public hearing, intended to assess the Environmental Assessment (EA) and the subsequent License to Prepare and Construct a Uranium Mine and Mill, is scheduled in two parts: October 8, 2025, and December 8 to 12, 2025. This announcement marks a pivotal point in Denison’s endeavors to boost its operations in the uranium sector.

Timeline for Approval

These hearing dates are particularly important as they set the stage for the final steps in securing the necessary federal approvals to proceed with the project. Should the CNSC approve the project promptly post-hearing, Denison anticipates commencing site preparation and construction activities for the Phoenix In-Situ Recovery (ISR) project by early 2026. David Cates, the President and CEO of Denison, expressed optimism about this timeline, indicating that having clarity on the schedule helps reduce uncertainty and allows for more precise construction planning.

Achievements Leading to the Hearing

Leading up to this announcement, Denison accomplished multiple essential regulatory milestones in late 2024. These milestones included:
1. Completion of the technical review phase of the EA approval process.
2. Acceptance of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the CNSC.
3. Determination of the sufficiency of Denison's License application.

These achievements demonstrate the CNSC staff's support for advancing the project, moving towards generating an evidence-based summary report for the Commission's upcoming decision.

Project Overview

Denison Mines, a prominent uranium mining, development, and exploration company, has a significant focus on the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Wheeler River Uranium Project stands out as Denison's flagship, housing the largest undeveloped uranium project in the highly mineral-rich eastern section of the basin. In mid-2023, Denison completed a feasibility study for the Phoenix deposit, affirming its viability as an ISR mining operation.

The company has been active in permitting efforts for the Phoenix ISR operation since 2019, and the acceptance of the final EIS by both the Province of Saskatchewan and the CNSC in 2024 represents a leap forward in this journey.

Future Prospects

The potential commencement of construction for the Phoenix ISR project brings excitement as Denison aims for initial production by the first half of 2028. Noting the extensive regulatory groundwork laid over the years, including the establishment of favorable licensing agreements and intense focus on environmental considerations, Denison's leadership is confident about the project's future amid a growing global demand for uranium.

Denison's interests in Saskatchewan extend beyond the Wheeler River Project. This includes significant stakes in various uranium deposits and operations within the region, all amounting to approximately 384,000 hectares. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Denison aims to enhance its operational efficacy in the sector.

Conclusion

The scheduled CNSC hearing marks an essential juncture for Denison Mines Corp. As the company readies itself for this crucial step in its journey, stakeholders remain optimistic about the project’s potential contributions to the energy landscape. The successful completion of the project would not only bolster Denison’s portfolio but could also position it favorably amidst the global push towards sustainable energy solutions. As preparations unfold, the industry watches closely, anticipating Denison’s movements in the uranium mining sector.

For the latest updates on this development, follow Denison on Twitter @DenisonMinesCo.