Dene leaders and residents in Lutselk'e, N.W.T., many of whom have opposed uranium mining in the past, are learning more about the industry this summer as a company explores in the Upper Thelon area.

Ur-Energy Inc. quietly explored for uranium at its Screech Lake property just south of the Thelon Game Sanctuary this summer, with the support of the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation.

A previous application by Ur-Energy to conduct exploratory drilling at Screech Lake was rejected by Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl in 2007, in large part because of strong opposition from people in Lutselk'e.

Strahl's decision was based on a recommenation from the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, which ruled that drilling in the Upper Thelon basin would have unacceptable cultural and spiritual impacts on the Lutselk'e Dene, whose ancestors have hunted in the area for thousands of years.

Lutselk'e Chief Steve Nitah told CBC News his community still opposes uranium mining development, at least for now.

"What's changed is the membership will be given an opportunity to learn about the industry, to learn about what uranium will be used for, how it will be used," Nitah said Tuesday.

Sponsored fishing derby

Under an agreement the First Nation reached with Ur-Energy to allow this summer's exploration work, the company contributed $20,000 in prize money towards a fishing derby held during the Dene Nation's annual assembly in Lutselk'e.

Ur-Energy also hired a few local people to work at Screech Lake. It also took other people to the site to monitor it.

Nitah said Dene leaders are now working with Ur-Energy to conduct information sessions about uranium and mining for people in Lutselk'e.

After a year, the community will decide whether to allow uranium exploration and mining.

Nitah said the area where the work is being done is still culturally and ecologically important to his people.

"The Upper Thelon is a very important area for the Lutselk'e Dene people," he said.

"That issue is still there. That will always be in the back of our minds as we proceed through the learning process.

Officials with Ur-Energy were not available for comment.

In a release, the company said this summer's soil sampling and geophysical surveying will help it plan a future drilling program. Nitah said there is currently no agreement for future work.