Denison Mines has taken a decisive step towards introducing one of Canada’s most nearly observed uranium ventures, handing engineering large Wood the mains to construction management for its flagship Phoenix in-situ recovery mine.
The contract alerts that Denison Mines Corp. Is transferring from planning to implementation mode on the Wheeler River venture—in progress final federal approvals—with site work about to start as soon as allows land.
David Cates, President & CEO of Denison, commented, “In expectation of obtaining our Federal allows to prepare the site and construct the Wheeler River venture, we are thrilled to declare the award of the construction management agreement to our trusted partners at Wood.
“The selection of Wood for construction control permits us to leverage our long-standing relationship with Wood’s Canadian group, which started out with co-authoring the 2023 Feasibility Study for Phoenix and persists with the detailed design engineering for the Project over the last 2-years.
“We are proactively coordinating our groups, including the onboarding of main construction personnel, to make sure we are equipped to continue with site preparation as soon as viable upon receipt of all needed permits.
“Given Denison’s strong balance sheet, and advanced state of ventures engineering, construction planning, and procurement, we stand ready to make a Final Investment Decision and commence construction soon after securing Federal approval of the Environmental Assessment and Licence to Prepare the Site for & Construct a Mine and Mill.”
Wood, already strongly embedded in the venture after leading feasibility and design work, will now oversee procurement, plant construction, infrastructure installation, and on-site safety—successfully securing the transition from blueprint to construct in what’s anticipated to be a 24-month construction sprint.
Kris Homer, Senior Vice President of Minerals and Metals West at Wood, commented: “We value Denison’s endured trust in our group and look ahead to working collectively to lead the Wheeler River challenge by the construction segment. Having guidance Phoenix from the feasibility level through detailed layout, we understand the technical and execution needs of this venture.
“Our priority is to allow a secure and seamless transition into execution – retaining continuity of personnel, applying disciplined venture management, and ensuring a predictable route to first manufacturing for this landmark venture in the Canadian uranium industry. We look ahead to persisting with to work as an incorporated group with Denison, integrating our complementary venture, construction, and uranium expertise to supply Phoenix safely and successfully.”
The deal cements continuity across each section of the Phoenix venture—from feasibility to design to construction—giving Denison a tighter grip on timelines as it races toward a final funding decision.
With engineering in large part complete and procurement planning advanced, the corporation is positioning itself to move rapid once regulators give the green light.
