Saskatchewan’s uranium industry marked another milestone this week as Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young toured the recently restarted McClean Lake uranium mine and mill, a joint venture between Orano Canada and Denison Mines.
The visit comes as the province continues to break records in uranium production and sales, with the sector playing an increasingly critical role in global energy security and the transition to low-emission power sources.
Read more:
- BHP Jansen project delay might offer relief for communities
- Tremor that shook Esterhazy not caused by mining operations gone wrong
- Saskatchewan is Canada’s most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment: Survey
Young was joined by representatives from Orano Canada during the tour and engaged in discussions about the mine’s reopening and future plans to expand production.
“Saskatchewan is leading the way in providing the world with responsibly sourced uranium,” Young said.
“The restart of uranium mining at McClean Lake, utilizing innovative mining methods, will add to our record production and sales, support sustainable employment for northern residents, and strengthen our position as a key player in the global energy supply chain.”

“Saskatchewan is leading the way in providing the world with responsibly sourced uranium,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said.(Denison Mines website)
Young also praised the modern infrastructure at the McClean Lake facility and thanked staff for providing an in-depth look at the operation.
In 2024, Saskatchewan uranium sales reached an all-time high of $2.6 billion, surpassing the province’s 2030 Growth Plan target of $2 billion six years ahead of schedule.
Uranium production also hit a record 16,700 tonnes, up 28 per cent from the previous year, securing Saskatchewan’s place as the second-largest uranium producer in the world behind Kazakhstan.
Orano Canada welcomed the opportunity to showcase the site’s capabilities and its role in northern economic development.
“We were so pleased to welcome the minister and her team to McClean Lake,” said Tammy Van, vice president and chief corporate officer at Orano Canada.
“While uranium mining brings unique challenges, our team continues to demonstrate innovation and resilience, while deepening partnerships with northern communities and businesses. We’re encouraged by the government’s support for nuclear energy and the future of uranium in the province.”
Saskatchewan’s mining sector continues to attract international investment interest. The province was ranked Canada’s top mining jurisdiction in the latest Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies.
To further boost exploration and growth in critical minerals, the Government of Saskatchewan added uranium to its Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive in 2024. This move aims to accelerate early-stage exploration and diversify the province’s mineral sector.
With total mining investment projected to exceed $7 billion in 2025, Saskatchewan is expected to lead the nation in exploration activity, accounting for 15 per cent of all Canadian mineral exploration spending, a pace that places the province well ahead of its 2030 targets under the Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Strategy.
Read more: