Jessica Kennedy is quoted in Lexpert’s special edition on mining, where she shares insights on uranium’s resurgence and its strategic importance to Canada. She highlights the geopolitical split in supply chains, noting, “We’re now in a bifurcated uranium world. On one side, supply chains run through Russia and Kazakhstan; on the other, Western buyers urgently seek to buy from stable, rule-of-law jurisdictions like Canada. That split is shaping transactions.” Against this backdrop, Jessica underscores how Canada’s reputation and reliability position it as a preferred supplier to allies like the United States, which has pledged to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.
Jessica points to two areas where legal frameworks are defining the future of uranium. First, Indigenous partnerships are increasingly central, with equity stakes, co-management structures and impact benefit agreements “becoming standard” in project development. Second, even with world-class geology and strong demand, she cautions that “the challenges will be in navigating the impact assessment and permitting processes to mine it.” These dynamics highlight how regulatory issues are as decisive as the resource itself.
Looking ahead, Jessica highlights technology as a driver of both opportunity and complexity. Small modular reactors and microreactors, which she describes as “faster-to-deploy, safer, and more adaptable,” are reshaping not only how nuclear power is delivered but also how it is regulated. Their modular design and smaller footprints may require new permitting and safety frameworks, placing lawyers at the forefront of shaping next-generation nuclear governance. As Jessica concludes, “This isn’t just about mining. It’s about climate policy, energy security, and geopolitics – all converging.”
Bennett Jones