NexGen’s Rook I uranium project gains key Indigenous support

According to news reports from Global News, a proposed uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, NexGen Energy Rook I development project, has garnered the support of several Indigenous communities as it approaches final federal approval. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) began the second part of its hearing for the project in Saskatoon on Monday.

The Rook I mine is located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin, approximately 150 km north of La Loche, Saskatchewan. NexGen has secured impact benefit agreements with four Indigenous nations in the vicinity: the Clearwater River Dene Nation, a regional division of Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Birch Narrows Dene Nation, and Buffalo River Dene Nation. These nations have publicly expressed their support for the project.

The mine's design includes underground and surface facilities, along with an onsite mill capable of processing an average of 1,400 tonnes of ore per day. Leigh Curyer, NexGen’s CEO, stated the project, which has been under development for over a decade, is expected to create 1,400 local jobs. Curyer also emphasized the company's commitment to sharing financial benefits, stating, “We share with the communities financially as well, and the agreements that we have show that the communities and the company are totally aligned with respect to the sharing of those financial benefits.”

Upon concluding its proceedings, the CNSC will evaluate the project's community, safety, and environmental impacts before deciding whether to grant a license. This decision, which could take up to four months, is required before the project can commence. The CNSC hearings are scheduled to continue in Saskatoon until their conclusion on Thursday.