Published: December 2, 2025 |

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Denison Mines and the Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office (YNLR) have signed the Nuhenéné benefit agreement. The agreement is a regional mutual benefits agreement between Denison and the Hatchet Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Black Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Fond du Lac Denesułiné First Nation, the Northern Hamlet of Stony Rapids, the Northern Settlement of Uranium City, the Northern Settlement of Wollaston Lake, the Northern Settlement of Camsell Portage, and YNLR.

The agreement provides the Athabasca communities’ consent and support for the development and operation of Denison’s majority owned and operated Wheeler River Project and Waterbury Lake Project, and also includes Denison’s minority interest in the Midwest Project, and the operating McClean Lake Project, all of which are located in northern Saskatchewan.

“The execution of the Nuhenéné benefit agreement marks another significant milestone for Denison and the Wheeler River Project, which is in the final stages of the federal approval process for the environmental assessment and construction license for the planned Phoenix in-situ recovery uranium mine. Negotiations of the agreement began following the signing of an exploration agreement between Denison and the Athabasca communities in 2022. Since that time, our team has focused its extensive engagement efforts towards cultivating a strong and enduring relationship built on trust and mutual respect,” said David Cates, president and CEO of Denison.

“We are honored to sign this agreement, and extend our sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Athabasca communities, the YNLR board members involved in the negotiation process, and the numerous community members and support staff that have contributed to our engagement activities over the last several years,” added Cates.

The agreement acknowledges that the projects are located within the Nuhenéné traditional land of the Athabasca Denesułiné and provides Denison with the Athabasca communities’ consent and support to advance the projects.

Among other key commitments, the agreement provides the Athabasca communities and its members an important role in environmental oversight, with specific recognition and support for the protection of the Woodland Caribou and for surface water monitoring. The agreement also commits to the sharing of benefits from the successful operation of the projects — including community investment, business opportunities, employment and training opportunities, and financial compensation.

Overall, the agreement describes a jointly held vision for the future that reflects a mutual commitment to maintain an open, respectful, and cooperative relationship between Denison and the Athabasca communities. Importantly, the agreement defines the characteristics of the positive legacy that will be associated with the sustainable development of the projects.

“This agreement shows what we can achieve when we put our people and our land at the center of every decision. We expect responsible development, and we expect real benefits for our communities. This agreement delivers on that,” said Chief Bart Tsannie of Hatchet Lake Denesųłiné First Nation.

“YNLR led these negotiations with dedication, and we are proud of all who contributed to this work. Denison came to the table with honesty and integrity, and that helped us reach a fair and meaningful agreement. This agreement is the result of many voices working together for the Athabasca region, and it is a major achievement for all our communities,” said Chief Coreen Sayazie of Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation.

“As Chief of Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation, I believe this partnership will help build long-term prosperity for the Athabasca region. We believe in sustainable development, but also in strong protection of the land we depend on. Balancing these two priorities is central to Fond du Lac’s and YNLR’s work, and this agreement supports that balance for our children and future generations,” said Chief Ronnie Augier.

“This agreement creates real opportunities for our people — good jobs, strong training programs, and space for our local businesses to grow. These benefits will help our members participate fully in the northern economy,” said Chairperson of Wollaston Lake Post, Terri Daniels.

“Independent environmental monitoring has always been a priority for our communities. This agreement strengthens our role in overseeing the land, the water, and the wildlife. It gives us a clear role in making sure the activities are carried out with respect and transparency,” said Uranium City Chairperson, Duane Larocque.

“Our seven Athabasca communities have worked side by side for many years, and this agreement reflects the strength of that unity. When we stand together, we open the door to real opportunities and positive outcomes for our region,” said Chairperson Claire Larocque of Camsell Portage.

“Our ongoing work with Denison has shown their readiness to listen, collaborate, and support the priorities of Athabasca residents. This agreement builds on that foundation and creates meaningful opportunities for our communities while supporting responsible development,” said Mary Denechezhe, YNLR Board Chair.

Denison Mines is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The company has an effective 95 percent interest in its flagship Wheeler River Uranium Project, which is the largest undeveloped uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Denison’s interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5 percent ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture, which owns several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, contracted to process the ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17 percent interest in the Midwest Main and Midwest A deposits, and a 67.41 percent interest in the THT and Huskie deposits on the Waterbury Lake property.

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