An overhead photo of the NexGen Rook I Project. (Submitted photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Derek Cornet

mine development

Provincial minister visits NexGen’s Rook I uranium project

Oct 3, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young is hoping federal approval to begin construction on NexGen’s Rook I Project in northwest Saskatchewan will occur soon.

Young was at the site of the underground uranium mine and mill in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin on Thursday. It is home to the largest high-grade uranium reserves in the world, and once operational, Rook I is planned to be one of the largest uranium production facilities.

“Saskatchewan’s growing uranium industry is creating good jobs and economic opportunities for the people of our province,” Young is quoted as saying in a media release issued Friday.

“A project of Rook I’s scale will significantly increase Saskatchewan’s uranium output and further strengthen our position as a key producer in the global energy supply chain. We look forward to seeing this project advance to the construction phase as soon as it receives full federal approval.”

NexGen’s Rook I Project represents an estimated initial investment of $2.2 billion. During construction, the project is expected to create 2,300 total jobs in Saskatchewan, followed by 430 permanent positions at the mine and mill once they become operational.

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According to the company’s website, on Nov. 18, 2024, NexGen reached a major milestone in the Federal Environmental Assessment (EA) process, when the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) provided NexGen formal confirmation that the company has successfully addressed all information requests received as part of the federal technical review.

Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young (center) at the project site on Thursday. (Submitted photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

The CNSC has proposed commission hearing dates to be conducted on Nov. 19, 2025, and February 9 to 13, 2026. Following those meetings, the CNSC will render an approval decision on the project.

“We were thrilled to host Minister Young and her team at our Rook I Project to showcase the new standard in resource development the company is employing,” said NexGen’s Founder and CEO Leigh Curyer.

“This elite approach to safe, responsible and sustainable development will serve as a template for the industry at large. With the team in place, the funding options plentiful, the provincial approval in hand and formal support from all impacted Indigenous Nations, we are ready to immediately commence construction once we receive final federal approval.”

In 2024, Saskatchewan uranium sales reached a record high of $2.6 billion. Uranium production also reached a record high in 2024 of 16.7 thousand tonnes, an increase of 28 per cent compared to 2023.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com