Uranium company NexGen Energy confirmed on Tuesday that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has set dates for the commission hearing, marking a key milestone in the Rook I project’s regulatory process.

The hearing is scheduled in two parts, with the first part set for November 19, 2025, and the second from February 9 to 13, 2026. 

This marks the final stage in the approval process for the Rook I project, which has been under review for six years. 

NexGen received provincial approval for the project in November 2023, after an environmental assessment process, and successfully completed the federal technical review and acceptance of the environmental-impact statement.

While NexGen is pleased to see the hearing dates confirmed, both the company and the Indigenous communities involved in the project are focused on ensuring the project remains on track for timely approval. 

The First Nations partners, including the Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN), Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and MN-S Northern Region II, have long supported the project and have signed impact benefit agreements with NexGen, covering the life and closure of operations.

". . . while pleased the final stage of project approval – a commission hearing – has been announced, [we] are considering the implications of the timing with respect to the project," said NexGen.

Chief Teddy Clark of the CRDN, who represents the most directly impacted community, also welcomed the announcement of the hearing dates. However, he expressed a sense of urgency about the timeline and the delays in the approval process that have already held back economic opportunities for his people.

“This is the only shovel-ready project in Canada fully supported not only financially and provincially but by the Indigenous Nations impacted by the project,” Clark said. 

“No other project has had this level of support from Indigenous communities, and no other project will have such a positive impact on our community.”

The First Nations leadership and NexGen have been working closely together since the inception of the Rook I project, with the partnership seen as a model for reconciliation and economic development.

“As Chief of CRDN, the most impacted community, I want the CNSC to fully realise by delaying this project the negative impacts on our community are substantial,”  Clark emphasised.

Together with other First Nations leaders, Clark urged the federal government to step in and ensure the project is approved as soon as possible, echoing promises made by outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a 2016 visit to the region.

“We are not asking for favours, just for the government to do what it committed to and what the project deserves,” Clark added. “We need the government to act now to support our community and move this project forward.”