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Orano Canada and Denison Announce SABRE 1st Production at McClean Lake

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Denison Mines (NYSE: DNN) and Orano Canada have successfully launched uranium mining operations using their patented Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) method at the McClean Lake Joint Venture. The operation commenced in June at the McClean North uranium deposit, with approximately 250 tonnes of high-grade ore exceeding 10% U3O8 recovered from the first mining cavity.

The joint venture, in which Orano Canada holds a 77.5% interest as operator and Denison owns 22.5%, has already completed backfilling of the first cavity and begun processing the recovered ore at the McClean Lake mill. This marks the first active mining operations at the site since 2008, representing a significant technological advancement in uranium mining capabilities.

Denison Mines (NYSE: DNN) e Orano Canada hanno avviato con successo le operazioni di estrazione dell'uranio utilizzando il loro metodo brevettato Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) presso la joint venture McClean Lake. L'attività è iniziata a giugno nel giacimento di uranio McClean North, recuperando circa 250 tonnellate di minerale ad alto tenore superiore al 10% di U3O8 dalla prima cavità di estrazione.

La joint venture, in cui Orano Canada detiene una quota del 77,5% come operatore e Denison possiede il 22,5%, ha già completato il riempimento della prima cavità e ha iniziato a processare il minerale recuperato presso l'impianto di McClean Lake. Questo rappresenta la prima attività mineraria attiva nel sito dal 2008, segnando un importante progresso tecnologico nelle capacità di estrazione dell'uranio.

Denison Mines (NYSE: DNN) y Orano Canadá han lanzado con éxito operaciones de minería de uranio utilizando su método patentado Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) en la empresa conjunta McClean Lake. La operación comenzó en junio en el depósito de uranio McClean North, recuperando aproximadamente 250 toneladas de mineral de alta ley que supera el 10% de U3O8 de la primera cavidad minera.

La empresa conjunta, en la que Orano Canadá posee un 77,5% como operador y Denison un 22,5%, ya ha completado el relleno de la primera cavidad y ha comenzado a procesar el mineral recuperado en la planta de McClean Lake. Esto marca la primera operación minera activa en el sitio desde 2008, representando un avance tecnológico significativo en las capacidades de minería de uranio.

Denison Mines (NYSE: DNN)와 Orano Canada� 특허받은 Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) 방식� 사용하여 McClean Lake 합작 투자 지역에� 우라� 채굴 작업� 성공적으� 시작했습니다. � 작업은 6월에 McClean North 우라� 광상에서 시작되었으며, � 채굴 공동에서 � 10% 이상� U3O8 고품� 광석 250�� 회수되었습니�.

Orano Canada가 77.5% 지�� 보유� 운영자이� Denison� 22.5%� 소유� � 합작 투자� 이미 � 공동� 복토� 완료하고 McClean Lake 제련소에� 회수� 광석 처리� 시작했습니다. 이는 2008� 이후 � 지역에� 처음으로 진행되는 채굴 작업으로, 우라� 채굴 기술� 있어 중요� 진전� 의미합니�.

Denison Mines (NYSE : DNN) et Orano Canada ont lancé avec succès les opérations d'extraction d'uranium en utilisant leur méthode brevetée Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) dans le cadre de la coentreprise McClean Lake. L'exploitation a débuté en juin au gisement d'uranium McClean North, avec environ 250 tonnes de minerai à haute teneur dépassant 10 % de U3O8 récupérées dans la première cavité minière.

La coentreprise, dans laquelle Orano Canada détient 77,5 % des parts en tant qu'opérateur et Denison 22,5 %, a déjà terminé le remblayage de la première cavité et a commencé à traiter le minerai récupéré à l'usine de McClean Lake. Il s'agit des premières opérations minières actives sur ce site depuis 2008, représentant une avancée technologique majeure dans les capacités d'extraction de l'uranium.

Denison Mines (NYSE: DNN) und Orano Canada haben erfolgreich den Uranabbau mit ihrer patentierten Methode Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) im McClean Lake Joint Venture gestartet. Die Operation begann im Juni am Uranvorkommen McClean North, wobei aus der ersten Abbauhohle etwa 250 Tonnen hochwertiges Erz mit über 10% U3O8 gewonnen wurden.

Das Joint Venture, bei dem Orano Canada als Betreiber einen 77,5% Anteil hält und Denison 22,5%, hat bereits die erste Abbauhohle verfüllt und mit der Verarbeitung des gewonnenen Erzes in der McClean Lake Mühle begonnen. Dies markiert die ersten aktiven Bergbauarbeiten an diesem Standort seit 2008 und stellt einen bedeutenden technologischen Fortschritt im Uranbergbau dar.

Positive
  • Successfully recovered 250 tonnes of high-grade uranium ore (>10% U3O8) from first mining cavity
  • First commercial implementation of innovative SABRE mining technology
  • Return to active mining operations at McClean Lake for first time since 2008
  • Successfully processed first ore batch at McClean Lake mill
Negative
  • None.

Insights

Denison and Orano have successfully begun uranium mining at McClean North using innovative SABRE technology, marking first production since 2008.

The announcement represents a significant technological breakthrough in uranium mining. The SABRE (Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction) method has moved from development to commercial application, with the first mining cavity yielding approximately 250 tonnes of high-grade ore exceeding 10% U₃O� concentration.

What makes this achievement particularly notable is that SABRE technology enables access to uranium deposits previously considered economically challenging to extract. The successful implementation demonstrates the viability of this patented mining method in accessing difficult deposits with potentially lower environmental impact than traditional mining approaches.

The technical milestone is enhanced by the successful completion of the full operational sequence: mining the first cavity, backfilling it properly, advancing the SABRE rig to the second planned cavity, and beginning ore processing at the McClean Lake mill. This represents a complete validation of the end-to-end SABRE mining system.

This development has broader implications for the uranium mining sector, potentially unlocking previously uneconomic deposits and extending the productive life of existing mining operations. For the McClean Lake Joint Venture specifically, it marks the resumption of active mining operations after a 15-year hiatus since 2008, utilizing innovative technology to extract value from challenging deposits like McClean North.

SASKATOON, SK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -Orano Canada Inc. ("Orano Canada")and Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison") (TSX: DML) (NYSE American: DNN),as joint-venture partners in the McClean Lake Joint Venture ("MLJV"), arepleased to announce the successful start of uranium mining operations using the joint venture's patented Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction ("SABRE")mining method. Orano Canada owns a 77.5% interest and is the operator of the MLJVand Denison owns a 22.5% interest.

SABRE mining of the McClean North uranium deposit ("McClean North") commenced in June with approximately 250tonnes of high-grade ore (+10% U3O8) estimated to have been recovered from the first mining cavity. Orano Canadaalso reports that it has successfully backfilled the first cavity, advanced the SABRE rig to the planned second mining cavity, and commenced processing of therecovered ore at the McClean Lake mill.

Xavier Saint Martin Tillet,resident of Orano Mining said:&ܴdz;The first commercial production of uranium with the SABRE technique marks a new chapter, allowing us to access and explore new territories. This innovation reinforces our commitment to delivering a reliable and responsible supply of natural uranium to nuclear power producers worldwide, supporting the generation of low-carbon electricity."

Jim Corman, Orano Canada's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our long-term investment inR&D within Orano and the MLJVhas culminated in the safe mining, milling and packaging of ore that in the past would have been deemed economically challengingtodevelop. We are pleased to be actively mining again at McClean Lake and I am so proud of the employees, contractors and partners,who have cohesively brought this mining method and project to life.It truly is an innovative and exciting time to be in the uranium industry."

David Cates, Denison's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The successful commencement of SABRE mining at McClean North marks a significant milestone in the history of the MLJV, as the joint venture returns to active mining operations for the first time since 2008. Orano Canada is a world-class operator that has consistently demonstrated excellence in operation and innovation in Saskatchewan. We congratulate Orano on its leadership, long-term vision, and dedication to the development of the MLJV's SABRE mining method and ultimately the commercialization of the technology through the deployment at McClean North."

About SABRE

SABRE is the culmination of a mining equipment invention and development initiative that began in 2004andconcluded in 2021 with the completion ofmulti-year mining test program that successfully excavated approximately 1,500 tonnes of high-value ore. It is a non-entry, surface-based mining method that uses a high-pressure water jet placed at the bottom of a drill hole to excavate a mining cavity. The cuttings from the excavation process are then air lifted to surface, separated,and stockpiled. SABRE is viewed as an innovative mining method that has the potential to allow for access to relatively small high-grade orebodies in the Athabasca Basin that are either too small or too deep to be mined economically by conventional open-pit and/or underground mining methods.

SABRE is unique in that the mining method can be selective and scalable, which has the potential to provide superior flexibility when compared to conventional mining methods and is thus ideally suited to ever changing uranium market conditions � with an expectedproduction ramp up of months instead of years. The SABRE method has environmental advantages when compared to conventional open pit or underground mining methods as a result of its less intrusive nature and smaller surface footprint. Reduced water usage and power consumption also contribute to importantreductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improved sustainability. Additionally, as a non-entry mining method, radiological exposure for mine workers is minimized.

Qualified Persons

For Orano Canada, thetechnical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Louis-Pierre Gagnon, P. Eng., Director of Mining, Orano Canada Inc., who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Mineral Disclosure Standards ("NI 43-101").

For Denison, the technical information contained in this release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Chad Sorba, P.Geo, Denison's Vice President Technical Services &roject Evaluation, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI43-101.

About Orano Canada:

Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Orano Canada Inc. is a leading producer of uranium, accounting for the processing of 16.9 million pounds of uranium concentrate in Canada in 2024. Orano has been exploring for, mining and milling uranium in Canada for more than 60 years. Orano Canada is the operator of the McClean Lake uranium mill and a major partner in the Cigar Lake, McArthur River and Key Lake operations. The company employs over 450 people in Saskatchewan, including about 375 at the McClean Lake operation where over 40% of employees are self-declared Indigenous. As a sustainable uranium producer, Orano Canada is committed to safety, environmental protection and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of neighbouring communities.

Orano Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of the multinational Orano group. As a recognized international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group's 17,000 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.

Visit Orano at or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram: @oranocanada

About Denison

Denison is a leading uranium mining, development, and exploration company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Denison has an effective 95% interest in its flagship Wheeler River Uranium Project, which is the largest undeveloped uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. In mid-2023, the Phoenix feasibility study was completed for the Phoenix deposit as an ISR mining operation, and an update to the previously prepared 2018 Pre-Feasibility Study ('PFS') was completed for Wheeler River's Gryphon deposit as a conventional underground mining operation. Based on the respective studies, both deposits have the potential to be competitive with the lowest cost uranium mining operations in the world. Permitting efforts for the planned Phoenix ISR operation commenced in 2019 and several notable milestones were achieved in 2024 with the submission of federal licensing documents and the acceptance of the final form of the project's Environmental Impact Statement by the Province of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the MLJV, which includes the McClean Lake uranium mill (currently utilizing a portion of its licensed capacity to process the ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement), plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest Joint Venture Midwest Main and Midwest A deposits, and a 70.55% interest in the Tthe Heldeth Túé ('THT') and Huskie deposits on the Waterbury Lake Property. The Midwest Main, Midwest A, THT and Huskie deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Taken together, Denison has direct ownership interests in properties covering ~384,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin region. Additionally, through its 50% ownership of JCU (Canada) Exploration Company, Limited ('JCU'), Denison holds interests in various uranium project joint ventures in Canada, including the Millennium project (JCU, 30.099%), the Kiggavik project (JCU, 33.8118) and Christie Lake (JCU, 34.4508%).

In 2024, Denison celebrated its 70th year in uranium mining, exploration, and development, which began in 1954 with Denison's first acquisition of mining claims in the Elliot Lake region of northern Ontario.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of the applicable United States and Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Orano and/or Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'expects', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes', or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur', 'be achieved' or 'has the potential to'.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the current and future plans and objectives for use of the SABRE mining method; expectations regarding SABRE production at MLJV deposits; expectations with respect to Orano and/or Denison's other projects, including exploration, development and/or mining thereof;expectations regarding the performance of the uranium market and global sentiment regarding nuclear energy; and expectations regarding Orano and/or Denison'sjoint venture ownership interests.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity,performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For example, the results and underlying assumptions and interpretations with respect to SABRE mining by the MLJVmay not be maintained after further use atthe applicable deposits. In addition, Orano may decide or otherwise be required to discontinue SABRE mining as currently anticipated. Orano and Denisonbelieve that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information arereasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and results may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this press release. Neither Orano nor Denison undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

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SOURCE Denison Mines Corp.

FAQ

What is the SABRE mining method announced by Denison Mines (DNN)?

SABRE (Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction) is a patented mining method that allows access to previously economically challenging uranium deposits. It was successfully implemented at McClean North, producing high-grade ore exceeding 10% U3O8.

How much uranium ore did Denison Mines (DNN) extract in their first SABRE mining operation?

The first SABRE mining cavity at McClean North yielded approximately 250 tonnes of high-grade uranium ore with a grade exceeding 10% U3O8.

What is Denison Mines' (DNN) ownership stake in the McClean Lake Joint Venture?

Denison Mines owns a 22.5% interest in the McClean Lake Joint Venture, while Orano Canada owns 77.5% and operates the project.

When did McClean Lake Joint Venture resume active mining operations?

The McClean Lake Joint Venture resumed active mining operations in June 2025, marking the first active mining at the site since 2008.
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