NexGen Energy has obtained the final federal approval for its Rook I Uranium Project, having received a licence to prepare site and construct from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

This recent approval follows the environmental assessment endorsement by the Province of Saskatchewan in November 2023 and the conclusion of a two-part Commission Hearing in February 2026.

With these regulatory steps complete, NexGen is set to begin full construction of the project.

Rook I is situated in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan and has been developed in collaboration with local indigenous communities.

Once operational, it is expected to contribute significantly to the global uranium fuel supply.

The project aims to produce up to 30 million pounds (mlb) of uranium annually, which would account for more than 20% of the current global supply and more than half of the Western world's output.

NexGen is preparing to start construction, bringing economic growth and job opportunities to the region.

The necessary team, resources and infrastructure are ready for construction activities including advanced site preparations.

The company's final investment decision has been made, with official construction set to start in summer 2026 for a period of four years.

NexGen founder and CEO Leigh Curyer said: “Today's approval represents one of the most rigorous and comprehensive regulatory processes undertaken for a resource project globally.

“This milestone is the result of the NexGen team's steadfast and unrelenting focus over 12 years, understanding and delivering our objectives honestly and incorporating a culture of excellence.

“This approach is what has defined our success to date and will continue through successful execution of the construction and operations phases. We moved with purpose and confidence to deliver a new standard for resources development.”

In August 2025, the company secured a uranium offtake contract with a US utility company to deliver 1mlb of uranium annually over a five-year period.