Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
NORTH, Sask. — Paladin Energy has signed a Mutual Benefits Agreement with the Birch Narrows Dene Nation covering the Patterson Lake South uranium project in northern Saskatchewan.
The agreement, signed Aug. 31, will remain in effect for the lifespan of the project, which is located within Birch Narrows Dene Nation (BNDN) traditional territory in the southwestern Athabasca Basin.
Paladin Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Paladin Energy, and BNDN signed a binding term sheet in April 2026 before reaching the full agreement.
According to the Paladin Canada news release, the MBA establishes how Paladin Canada and BNDN will work together to shape and share in the economic and social benefits associated with development of the project.
The agreement also confirms BNDN’s support and consent for the Patterson Lake South project through all phases, including development, production, decommissioning and reclamation.
According to Paladin, the agreement also signals to provincial and federal regulators that BNDN supports the project and that mechanisms for continued meaningful engagement are in place as the project moves through the permitting and licensing phase.
Paladin Energy managing director and CEO Paul Hemburrow said the company wants to establish a long-term relationship with the community.
“We are pleased to reach this important agreement with the BNDN and our goal is to be a good neighbour and long-term partner with their community in Saskatchewan, so that they receive a positive benefit from the development of the project for many years to come,” Hemburrow said.
BNDN Chief Jonathon Sylvestre said the agreement reflects the Nation’s commitment to exercising its rights and responsibilities while creating meaningful opportunities for its people.
“Strong environmental protection must remain at the heart of development in our Territory, and this Agreement provides an important framework for that,” Sylvestre said.
Sylvestre said the community also expects significant and lasting benefits from the project and wants to work with Paladin Canada to ensure it is developed responsibly and respectfully.
“We look forward to being a meaningful partner in the Patterson Lake South Project and working with Paladin Canada to ensure it is developed responsibly, respectfully and in a way that creates lasting value for our people,” Sylvestre said.
The MBA is the third agreement Paladin has signed for the Patterson Lake South project. The company previously concluded Mutual Benefits Agreements with the Buffalo River Dene Nation and the Clearwater River Dene Nation in February 2025.
The agreement is separate from a 2021 Mutual Benefits Agreement between BNDN and NexGen Energy covering the Rook I Project, which hosts the Arrow uranium deposit.
Paladin Energy is a uranium producer that owns a 75 per cent interest in the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia. In Canada, the company is progressing development of the Patterson Lake South project in northern Saskatchewan and has an exploration portfolio in the province.
The company said the Patterson Lake South project is in the permitting and licensing phase.
