Australia-listed uranium miner Paladin Energy has cleared a key regulatory hurdle for its Canadian growth pipeline, securing Ministerial approval of the environmental-impact statement (EIS) for the Patterson Lake South (PLS) project in Saskatchewan.

The approval, granted under Saskatchewan’s Environmental Assessment Act, formally endorses the EIS for the shallow, high-grade PLS uranium project in the Athabasca basin.

The Saskatchewan Minister of Environment approved the EIS following technical acceptance of the document in June 2025 and an extensive public review process conducted between July and September.

The environmental assessment approval represents a critical milestone for PLS and is a prerequisite for the permits and licences required from provincial and federal authorities before construction and operations can begin.

Paladin said it continues to work closely with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) as the project advances through the federal licensing process. The company is progressing the technical work required to support its application for a construction licence, which has been submitted to the CNSC.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe welcomed the development.

“We welcome the continuing focus by Paladin in progressing the development of the PLS project in a sustainable and safe way to benefit the people and communities of Saskatchewan. Our province continues to be a leader in all aspects of uranium production and the environmental approval will assist this project to move forward and further enhance our world-class energy sector,” he said.

Saskatchewan Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said the project aligned with the province’s growth ambitions.

“The PLS project supports the province’s growth plan and Saskatchewan’s role as an energy supplier. I am pleased to see this project moving forward with strong environmental safeguards,” she said.

“The environmental and sustainability aspects of the PLS project have been subject to our robust environmental assessment process including scrutiny of our review panel of subject matter experts and having undergone considerable public and indigenous consultation. I commend Paladin on its approach to the approval process and congratulate their team on achieving this important milestone in their development.”

Paladin MD and CEO Paul Hemburrow said the company was pleased with the outcome.

“Paladin is delighted that the Minister, the Saskatchewan government and its environmental regulatory agency have formally recognised that our approach to delivering a sustainable and safe development at the PLS project is both environmentally and socially appropriate and achievable. The PLS project is an economically and strategically important development within Canada and we will continue to progress the construction licensing process with the CNSC,” he said.