Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issues licence to NexGen Energy authorizing site preparation and construction of its Rook I Uranium Mine

March 05, 2026 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to issue a licence to NexGen Energy Ltd. (NexGen) to prepare a site for and construct its Rook I Project. 

The proposed facility is a uranium mine and mill located in northern Saskatchewan within the southern Athabasca Basin, adjacent to Patterson Lake along the upper Clearwater River system, approximately 155 km north of the town of La Loche. The Project is situated on Treaty 8 territory, the Homeland of the Métis, and is within territories of the Denesųłiné, Cree, and Métis.

In making its decision, the Commission carefully considered all submissions and perspectives received during a 2-part hybrid public hearing held in Gatineau, Quebec, on November 19, 2025, and in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from February 9 to 12, 2026. All public submissions are available on the CNSC website.