#Denison Mines #Saskatchewan #Wheeler River Project #Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Supports Wheeler River Project

In a significant move for Denison Mines Corp., the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) has officially withdrawn its judicial review application regarding the approval of the Environmental Assessment for the Phoenix In-Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium mine. This withdrawal not only resolves previous legal hurdles but also marks a new chapter of collaboration as PBCN has expressed its formal support for Denison's Wheeler River Project.

Overview of the Wheeler River Project

The Wheeler River Project is heralded as the largest undeveloped uranium venture located in the northeastern part of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, renowned for its rich mineral deposits. The project houses the high-grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, both discovered by Denison in recent years. Currently, it operates as a joint venture, with Denison holding a 90% stake, while JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited retains a 10% interest.

In August 2023, Denison unveiled a technical report detailing the economic viability of both the Phoenix and Gryphon deposits. Findings indicated that both sites could potentially compete with some of the lowest-cost uranium mining operations globally, thus establishing a strong case for the project's advancement.

The Path Forward

Permitting efforts for the planned Phoenix ISR operation began in 2019. After a thorough review process, the Province of Saskatchewan granted approval for the project's Environmental Assessment in July 2025. This approval was complemented by the issuance of a construction license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in February 2026.

Construction and preparatory work for the Phoenix ISR mine commenced in March 2026, with Denison aiming for the first production outputs by 2028. Furthermore, the company continues to leverage information from the