In early July, NexGen Energy Ltd. signed an impact benefit agreement with the Buffalo River Dene Nation and a mutual benefit agreement with the Birch Narrows Dene Nation, regarding the Rook 1 project in the southwest Athabasca Basin. 

According to the company press release, the Rook I project is located within the traditional territory of the Buffalo River Dene Nation and the Birch Narrows Dene Nation.

Both the agreements define environmental, cultural, economic, employment, and other benefits NexGen will provide to the two Dene Nations. The agreements also confirm the consent and support of both Nations for the Rook 1 project throughout its complete lifecycle, including reclamation.

This milestone comes after study agreements signed in 2019, which followed formalized engagement with the communities. The engagement identified potential impacts to Aboriginal and treaty rights and socio-economic interests, as well as potential avoidance and accommodation measures in relation to the project. 

“Our community and NexGen have built a meaningful relationship over the past six years based on trust, respect, and confidence,” Chief Elmer Campbell of Buffalo River Dene Nation stated. “The Agreement reflects those key principles. We look forward to the advancement of the project throughout all phases of its lifecycle.”

“The project is still going through the regulatory process to determine its safety and we are participating in that process,” said Chief Jonathan Sylvester of Birch Narrows Dene Nation. “On meeting the regulatory requirements, our community stands to benefit with environmental monitoring, jobs, business opportunities, and payments to support community priorities.”

In the press release, the company stressed that the agreements recognise the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights of the Buffalo River Dene Nation and the Birch Narrows Dene Nation.

“We are pleased to be involved in a project that creates opportunities for our community while still protecting the environment,” Eric Sylvestre, Birch Narrows Dene Nation Economic Development Officer, stated. “Past projects from industry passed us by. This represents a major opportunity for us.”

According to their website, NexGen has the most significant land position in the southwest Athabasca Basin, where it holds 199,576 ha. This portfolio is considered to be the among the most prospective uranium properties known given the mineralization discovered
to date in the southwest along
the Patterson Corridor, which hosts
the Arrow Deposit, part of the Rook
I project.