Denison acknowledges judicial review filing for Wheeler

Executive Summary

• Denison Mines Corp. acknowledges an application for judicial review filed by the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) in the Court of King's Bench for Saskatchewan.
• The application seeks to set aside the provincial ministerial approval under the Environmental Assessment Act for the Wheeler River uranium project and remits the decision back for reconsideration, alleging a breach of the duty to consult.
• Denison intends to vigorously defend against the claims, denying the allegations and asserting that the government undertook a thorough consultation process.

Key Details

• Legal Action: PBCN filed an application for judicial review against the government of Saskatchewan and Denison Mines Corp.
• Relief Sought: PBCN is seeking an order to set aside the provincial ministerial approval for the Wheeler River project and to remit the decision back to the Saskatchewan Minister of the Environment for further consultation.
• Company Stance: Denison denies the claims, intends to refute factual statements, and will vigorously defend against the orders requested.
• Consultation History:
  • PBCN was provided an opportunity to review the draft environmental impact statement starting in November 2022.
  • Denison engaged directly with PBCN since March 2023.
  • Denison recently executed an environmental monitoring and capacity agreement with PBCN to support independent monitoring activities.
  • Denison was not made aware of PBCN's intention to seek judicial review until the application was filed.
• Project Status (Wheeler River):
  • Largest undeveloped uranium project in the infrastructure-rich eastern Athabasca basin.
  • Joint venture: Denison (90%, operator) and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Ltd.
  • Deposits: High-grade Phoenix (ISR mining) and Gryphon (conventional underground mining).
  • Feasibility Study: Filed in August 2023, summarizing ISR mining for Phoenix and cost update for Gryphon.
  • Permitting: Provincial EA approval received; CNSC hearing dates set for fall 2025 for federal approval of the EA and project construction licence.
• Other Interests:
  • 95% effective interest in Wheeler River.
  • 22.5% interest in McClean Lake joint venture (MLJV), including Sabre mining at McClean North (commenced 2025) and toll milling for Cigar Lake.
  • 25.17% interest in Midwest joint venture (Midwest Main and A deposits).
  • 70.55% interest in Tthe Heldeth Tue (THT) and Huskie deposits on Waterbury Lake property.
  • 50% ownership of JCU, holding interests in Millennium (30.099%), Kiggavik (33.8118%), and Christie Lake (34.4508%).

Notable Quotes

• "Denison has undertaken and continues to undertake extensive and impactful indigenous engagement and consultation efforts with respect to the project. Denison further believes the government of Saskatchewan undertook a thorough and meaningful consultation process in advance of the project's ministerial approval."
• "With respect to the application, Denison denies the claims made, and intends to refute several of the factual statements and vigorously defend against the orders requested."