Originally published Jan. 29, 2025 at The Narwhal. Read the full story here.

Nuclear power is seeing a global resurgence, as leaders race to declare nuclear the future of clean electricity. 

“There is no carbon-free future without nuclear power,” federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said. “That’s just a physical and mathematical fact.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his province’s nuclear fleet is “uniquely positioned to power the future.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says nuclear power is “key to providing reliable and affordable power.”

The enthusiasm doesn’t stop at Canada’s borders. Around the world, 31 countries, including Canada and the U.S, have joined a declaration — stemming from last year’s United Nations climate change conference — to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Many have cited climate change and energy security as reasons to be gung ho for nuclear.

It’s all leading to what’s been dubbed a “nuclear renaissance.” 

And that combination of international factors is driving a boom in uranium exploration and mining in northern Saskatchewan, home to the world’s largest deposits of high-grade uranium, an ideal fuel for reactors. 

Only two uranium mines are operating in Saskatchewan at the moment — the only active mines in Canada — but more are waiting for approvals and the level of exploration and government enthusiasm is predicted to drive more activity in the sector.

The boom will, as all booms do, come with big questions about who wins, who loses and whether the risks associated with nuclear power and uranium mining are worth it. 

Those risks are not distributed evenly, and overwhelmingly impact Indigenous communities in the north. And while the rewards will favour governments and industry, those same communities will see increased job opportunities and investments. 

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in northern Saskatchewan and what’s likely to come.

READ THE FULL STORY AT THE NARWHAL.