Issues at Operating Uranium Mines and Mills - Canada
(last updated 24 Oct 2008)
Two people were sent to hospital following a two-vehicle collision on the morning of June 23, 2007, at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 15 near Kenaston, 80 km southeast of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
After a collision with a car travelling eastbound along Highway 15, the semitrailer travelling southbound on Highway 11 left the road and drove into the ditch at the southeast corner of the intersection. The drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital with undetermined injuries.
RCMP say the semitrailer was transporting uranium oxide, but the material did not leak from the truck.
(StarPhoenix June 25, 2007)
Cameco Corporation announced it is decreasing uranium production to reduce spending in response to continuing low uranium prices and to ensure a smooth transition to its future McArthur River and Cigar Lake mines. Total uranium production from Cameco's two existing Saskatchewan operations (Key Lake and Rabbit Lake) will decline to approximately 16 million pounds U3O8 (6154 t U) in 1999 from 26 million pounds U3O8 (10,000 t U) in 1998.
> View full Cameco news release of Nov. 24, 1998 
> View McClean Lake mine and mill details
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day hearing (October 31, 2007), approved the Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines regarding AREVA Resources Canada Inc.'s (AREVA) proposal to amend its existing licence for the McClean Lake Operation, located in McClean Lake, Saskatchewan, to include a new ore body known as the Caribou.
> Download Notice of Hearing Aug. 8, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Oct. 31, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release December 11, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
AREVA Resources Canada Inc. is proposing to mine the new Caribou ore body at their approved McClean Lake Uranium Development. AREVA proposes to mine Caribou as an open pit and utilize the existing JEB mill, JEB tailings management and water management facilities to process the ore and manage solid and liquid wastes.
> View Saskatchewan Environment EA notices
> Download Areva's Project Proposal, Dec. 2006 (17M PDF)
> Download Draft - Project Specific Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, July 2007 (PDF)
> Download Public Notice, July 28, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC: Environmental Assessment: Continuation of mining and milling at McClean Lake Operation: Development of Caribou deposit
> View CNSC Request for Public Input into the Draft Project-Specific Guidelines
Lower production estimates announced for McClean Lake mine
On May 16, 2007, Denison Mines Corp. announced that AREVA Resources Canada Inc., the operator of the McClean Lake Joint Venture has provided an updated estimate of 2007 production of 1.8 million pounds of U3O8 [692 t U], a reduction from the previously reported level of 2.2 million to 3 million pounds [846 - 1154 t U]. According to Denison, the reduction in estimated 2007 production is a result of delays in obtaining regulatory approval and implementing planned mill modifications to increase leaching capacity, later than expected completion of revisions to the tailings distribution system and the suspension of further jet boring drilling at the McClean North deposit.
"The McClean Lake Joint Venture produced 455,000 pounds of uranium [175 t U] during the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with 1,532,000 pounds [589 t U] during the same period in 2005. [...] Production for the first nine months of the year has been well below our expectations due to lower grade ore feed, the absence of higher grade ore from the blind boring/jet boring operations, reduced throughput caused by variances in the arsenic concentration of the ore feed that resulted in elevated temperatures in the leach circuit and a shortage of reagents due to road closures caused by forest fires. [...] Average mill feed grade for the third quarter 2006 was 0.58% U3O8 compared to 1.73% U3O8 for the comparable 2005 period."
(Denison Nov. 9, 2006)
Following a hearing on October 25, 2006, in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its conclusion that AREVA's proposed project to install and operate a ferric sulphate production circuit at the McClean Lake Operation located in Northern Saskatchewan, taking into account identified mitigation measures, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The project involves the production of liquid ferric sulphate from iron ore transported to the McClean Lake site.
> Download Notice of Hearing, Oct. 20, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript, Environmental Assessment Screening, Oct. 25, 2006 (PDF)
> View CNSC release April 11, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Oct. 25, 2006 (PDF)
COGEMA Resources Inc. has proposed to produce liquid ferric sulphate (Fe2(SO4)3) at McClean Lake from iron ore imported to site, which would replace the current practice of purchasing ferric sulphate commercially and transporting it to the mine site. Ferric sulphate is used in the mill to remove dissolved arsenic in the tailings' pore water prior to discharge to the Tailings Management Facility, and in the treatment of effluent prior to discharge from water treatment plants. Before CNSC makes its decision on the proposal, an environmental assessment (EA) must be completed. The EA was started on Feb. 8, 2006.
CNSC held a closed (!) hearing on March 30, 2006.
On June 2, 2006, CNSC approved the guidelines for an environmental assessment.
> View CNSC Project Description
> Download Notice of Hearing, March 23, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript March 30, 2006 (PDF)
> View CNSC release June 2, 2006
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, June 2, 2006 (PDF)
CNSC approves Cogéma's Mining Equipment Development (MED) Program at McClean Lake
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing on March 30, 2006, approved an application by COGEMA Resources Inc. (COGEMA) to extend the scope of its Mining Equipment Development (MED) Program at the McClean Lake Uranium Mine and Mill Operation in Northern Saskatchewan.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, Jan. 18, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Updated Hearing Agenda, March 23, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript March 30, 2006 (PDF)
> View CNSC release May 26, 2006
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, May 26, 2006 (PDF)
Processing of McClean lake uranium-rich solutions at Rabbit Lake mill
> View details
CNSC approves expansion of the JEB Mill at McClean Lake to receive and process Cigar Lake ore
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (January 12, and April 6, 2005), approved an application by COGEMA Resources Inc. (COGEMA) for the renewal and amendment of the operating licence for COGEMA’s McClean Lake uranium mine and mill operation in Northern Saskatchewan. COGEMA has requested authorization to continue the currently permitted activities, and to make modifications to the JEB Mill at the McClean Lake Operation so that uranium ore slurry from Cameco Corporation’s Cigar Lake mine could be received and processed at the Mill.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, Nov. 3, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Jan. 12, 2005 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> Download Apr. 6, 2005 Hearing Transcript (revised) (PDF)
> View CNSC release May 19, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, May 19, 2005 (PDF)
CNSC starts Environmental Assessment on expansion of the JEB Mill at McClean Lake to receive and process Cigar Lake ore
> View Environmental Assessment COGEMA Resources Inc / Cameco Corporation: Transfer of Cigar Lake Ore and JEB Mill Expansion (May 28, 2004) (CNSC)
CNSC approves mining license for McClean Lake - Sue E project
On Dec. 9, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (August 17 / October 19, 2005) approved an application by COGEMA Resources Inc. (COGEMA) to mine uranium at its Sue E site.
> Download Revised Notice of Public Hearing (Aug. 5, 2005) (PDF)
> Download EIS Summary (2.2M PDF - CRI)
> Download Hearing Transcript Aug. 17, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Oct. 19, 2005
(PDF)
> View CNSC release Dec. 9, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision Dec. 9, 2005 (PDF)
CNSC holds hearing on initial surface construction activities at McClean Lake - Sue E project
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing (July 13, 2005), approved a proposal by COGEMA Resources Inc. (COGEMA) to carry out initial surface construction activities at its proposed Sue E uranium mine site.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, April 20, 2005 (PDF)
> Download CNSC Hearing Transcript, July 13, 2005 (PDF)
> View CNSC release July 21, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, July 21, 2005 (PDF)
CNSC holds hearing on EA Screening of McClean Lake - Sue E project
Following a public hearing held on June 29, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced on July 12, 2005, its conclusion that COGEMA Resources Inc.’s (COGEMA) proposed Sue E Project, taking into account identified mitigation measures, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
> Download CNSC release Apr. 7, 2005 (PDF)
> Download CNSC Hearing Transcript, June 29, 2005 (PDF)
> View CNSC release July 12, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, July 12, 2005 (PDF)
CNSC invites comment on screening report concerning environmental assessment of McClean Lake - Sue E project
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites public
comment on the Screening Report concerning the Environmental
Assessment of the McClean lake Operation: Sue E Project.
The public comment period closes on April 15, 2005.
> View CNSC release Mar. 18, 2005
Environmental Assessment on Sue E extension of McClean Lake uranium mine
On October 30, 2003, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) started the Environmental Assessment (EA) on COGEMA Resources Inc's Sue E Proposal.
The new Sue E orebody will be mined as an open pit operation. The Sue E ore will be milled at the JEB mill and the tailings disposed at the JEB Tailings Management Facility (TMF).
> View Environmental Assessment COGEMA Resources Inc: Sue E Proposal (CNSC)
On July 17, 2004, Saskatchewan Environment issued a public notice inviting public comment on the Draft Project-Specific Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.
> Download Public Notice (July 17, 2004) (PDF)
> Download Draft Project-Specific Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (July 2004) (PDF)
> Download Sue E Project Description (Oct. 2003)
CNSC holds hearing on EA Guidelines for new license of McClean Lake mine
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing (July 16, 2003) on the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines) for the application by COGEMA Resources Inc. for a new operating licence for the McClean Lake Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan.
The draft EA Guidelines (scoping document) were made available to the public on May 30, 2003.
On Aug. 29, 2003, CNSC "announced its approval of the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (Scope of Project and Assessment) that will be used to direct a screening environmental assessment of a new operating licence for COGEMA Resources Inc.’s McClean Lake Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan.".
> View CNSC Release (Aug. 29, 2003)
> Download CNSC Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (Aug. 29, 2003) (PDF)
> Download Transcript July 16, 2003 - COGEMA Resources Inc. - Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Operation of the McClean Lake Mine and Mill Facility (PDF)
> Download Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines (May 30, 2003) (PDF)
> View CNSC information on Environmental Assessment - Operation of the McClean Lake Mine and Mill Project by COGEMA Resources Inc.
Disposal of Cigar Lake waste rock in the McClean Lake mining facility's Sue C pit
Saskatchewan Environment invites comment on EIS for the Cigar Lake waste rock disposal in the McClean Lake mining facility's Sue C pit
"Cameco Corporation (Cameco) and Cogema Resources Inc. (Cogema) are proposing to temporarily store waste rock at Cigar Lake, and using two haul campaigns, transport and dispose of the Cigar Lake waste rock in the mined-out SUE C pit at the McClean Lake uranium development. This proposal is a change to the existing environmental assessment approvals for both the Cigar Lake and McClean Lake Uranium Developments."
Public comment on the environmental impact statement and SE's Technical Review Comments is invited. Comments should be submitted by May 30, 2003.
> Download Saskatchewan Environment's Environmental Impact Assessment Notice (May 8, 2003) (PDF)
> View CNSC information on Environmental Assessment - Cigar Lake Waste Rock Disposal in Sue C pit
CNSC holds hearing on Environmental Assessment Screening Report for the Cigar Lake waste rock disposal in the McClean Lake mining facility's Sue C pit
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing (June 25, 2003) to consider the Environmental Assessment Screening Report (EA Screening Report) for the Cigar Lake waste rock disposal in the McClean Lake mining facility’s Sue C pit.
The EA Screening Report was made available to the public on May 9, 2003.
On Aug. 29, 2003, the CNSC "concluded that the project, taking into account the appropriate mitigation measures, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects".
> View CNSC Release (Aug. 29, 2003)
> Download CNSC Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision (Aug. 29, 2003) (PDF)
> Download CNSC Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> See also: CNSC announces hearing on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the proposed construction of the Cigar Lake uranium mine
Court quashes McClean Lake operating license
> View McClean Lake Uranium Mining Project Court Case details
New uranium mineralization found at McClean Lake
New unconformity related uranium mineralization was discovered in the Athabasca sandstone. Approximately 20 diamond drill holes have tested structural and geological targets in the Caribou Lake area, approximately two kilometres northwest of the Sue C open pit.
(Denison release April 12, 2002)
McClean Lake mining suspended after Sue C mining completed
"COGEMA Resources will suspend mining at its McClean Lake operation after completion of the Sue C mine.
Vincent Martin, senior vice-president and chief operating officer, says that by the end of 2001, the company will have enough ore stockpiled to feed the mill for four to five years. [...]
And while the mining at McClean Lake is expected to be complete within the next few years, the mill is expected to continue to run another 40 years with ore from the Cigar and Midwest projects."
(COGEMA Res. Communiqué Dec. 2001)
Mining of the Sue C pit was completed on February 3, 2002 with all of the ore stockpiled for feeding the mill into 2006. (Denison, March 6, 2002)
CNSC renews Operating Licence for McClean Lake Mine
On Aug. 9, 2001, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) approved the renewal of the operating licence for COGEMA Resources Inc.'s McClean Lake Operation, with an increased production limit of 3629.3 t of U3O8 per year (33% up from 2722 t/a).
> View CNSC release Aug. 31, 2001
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (Aug. 30, 2001) (PDF)
> Download Transcript of May 29, 2001 hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of June 28, 2001 hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of August 9, 2001 hearing (PDF)
> see also older McClean Lake issues
CNSC approves license renewal for McArthur River uranium mine
On Oct. 23, 2008, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (June 11 / September 17, 2008), approved the application by Cameco Corporation (Cameco) to renew its operating licence for the McArthur River uranium mine located in northern Saskatchewan. Cameco has requested a five-year licence term.
The current licence authorizes Cameco to operate a uranium mine, including the mining and processing of uranium ore; the maintenance of facilities necessary to support the mining operation; and the transport of uranium ore slurry, mineralized waste rock and low grade uranium ore to Cameco’s separately licensed Key Lake Operation.
> Download Revised Notice of Public Hearing, May 6, 2008 (PDF) (CNSC)
> Download Hearing Transcript, June 11, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Cameco June 11, 2008, presentation to CNSC (12.2M PDF)
> View CNSC news release Oct. 23, 2008
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
Cameco request for production increase at McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill
> See also Cameco Regulatory Initiatives - McArthur River
Cameco releases Revised Environmental Assessment Study Report for the Proposed Production Increase
On Dec. 15, 2005, Cameco released its Revised Environmental Assessment Study Report for the Proposed Production Increase at the McArthur River mine and the Key Lake mill.
> Download McArthur River Operation, Key Lake Operation: Environmental Assessment Study Report for the Proposed Production Increase - Revised, April 2005 (11M PDF)
Cameco releases Environmental Assessment Study Report for the Proposed
Production Increase
On Nov. 30, 2004, Cameco released its Environmental Assessment Study Report for the Proposed Production Increase at the McArthur River mine and the Key Lake mill.
> Download McArthur River Operation, Key Lake Operation: Environmental Assessment Study Report for the Proposed Production Increase, November 2004 (8.9M PDF)
CNSC approves EA Guidelines for McArthur River production increase
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing on September 15, 2004, approved the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines) for the proposed production increase at Cameco Corporation’s Key Lake and McArthur River facilities, located in northern Saskatchewan.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, June 29, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Sep. 15, 2004 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC release Nov. 1, 2004
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
CNSC invites comment on EA Guidelines for McArthur River production increase
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites public comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines concerning the Environmental Assessment of the Production Increase for Cameco Corporation's McArthur River
mine and the Key Lake mill. Cameco is seeking regulatory approval to increase annual production by about 18% to 22 million pounds U3O8 (8500 t U).
> View CNSC release June 28, 2004
> Download Project proposal December 2002 (2.9M PDF - Cameco)
> Download Draft production increase guidelines June 2004 (96k PDF - Cameco)
CNSC approves McArthur River license renewal
> See also Cameco Regulatory Initiatives - McArthur River
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (July 7 and September 15, 2004), approved the application by Cameco Corporation, for the renewal of the mining operating licence for the McArthur River Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan.
> Download CNSC Notice of Public Hearing (PDF)
> Download July 7, 2004 Updated Public Hearings Agenda (PDF)
> Download July 7, 2004 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> Download Sep. 15, 2004 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC news release Oct. 25, 2004
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Oct. 25, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Cameco presentation Licence renewal July 2004 (1.2M PDF - Cameco)
McArthur River miners exposed to higher radon levels during mine flooding
A breakdown in company procedures during the April 2003 flooding of Cameco Corp.'s McArthur River uranium mine led to about 300 underground workers being exposed to higher than usual levels of radon gas, according to a company spokesperson.
Some 295 workers were exposed to radon levels higher than the mine's historical average, and of that total 30 appear to have been exposed to radon levels three to five times greater than usual. The levels of exposure are still considered safe by Canada's nuclear watchdog.
(Saskatoon Star Phoenix Nov. 19, 2003)
McArthur River mine shut after water inflow
On April 7, 2003, Cameco suspended production at the McArthur River uranium mine due to increased water inflow in a development area of the mine. (Cameco April 7, 2003)
Cameco now anticipates production restart will be delayed four to six months based on current conditions. (Cameco April 14, 2003)
In fact, the mine resumed operation on July 2, 2003. (Cameco July 2, 2003)
McArthur River mine threatened by forest fire
On June 26, 2002, a forest fire came into close proximity of the McArthur River uranium mine site. The mine's airport was shut down, and 110 employees were evacuated to Key Lake. Approximately 60 people stayed on site to keep the plant operating and to fight the fire.
On June 27, 2002, the fire had been progressing towards the site, but it slowed down in its progress.
(CNSC meeting transcript, June 27, 2002 PDF, p. 19-20)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a two-day public hearing on an application by Cameco Corporation of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for a licence to operate the McArthur River Operation.
> Download Hearing Announcement
> Download CNSC REVISED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING August 9, 2001 (PDF)
> Download Transcript of August 9, 2001 hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of October 4, 2001 hearing (PDF)
The license renewal was approved on Oct. 30, 2001.
> Download Record of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2001) (PDF)
The proven and probable reserves of the McArthur River deposit were revised from 255.2 million lbs U3O8 at 17.33% U3O8 (98,252 t at 14.7% U) to 394.5 million lbs U3O8 at 21.18% U3O8 (151,883 tonnes U at 17.96% U). (Cameco Jan 25, 2001)
> View older McArthur River issues
Aerial view: Google Maps 
CNSC approves license renewal for Key Lake uranium mill
On Oct. 23, 2008, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (June 11 / Sep. 17, 2008), approved the application by Cameco Corporation (Cameco) to renew its operating licence for the Key Lake uranium mill located in northern Saskatchewan. Cameco has requested a five-year licence term.
The current licence authorizes Cameco to operate a uranium mill and waste management systems, and the associated site facilities to support this operation.
> Download Revised Notice of Public Hearing, May 6, 2008 (PDF) (CNSC)
> Download Hearing Transcript, June 11, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Cameco June 11, 2008, presentation to CNSC (4.6M PDF)
During the June 11 hearing, it became apparent that CNSC intends to approve the license renewal for the Key Lake mill, although
- CNSC staff assigned C ratings ("below requirements") in four out of ten program areas assessed: operations (in particular waste management and fire protection), quality management, environmental protection, and training,
- the measures taken to reduce molybdenum and selenium loads in the plant's effluents are not working at all (yet?),
- the problem of pit wall sloughing in the Deilmann open-pit tailings facility (characterized by Cameco as a "world class facility for long-term tailing storage"!) remains unresolved,
- no concept exists (yet?) for the final long-term management of the tailings stored at the site.
> View CNSC news release Oct. 23, 2008
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
CNSC approves changes at Key Lake mill to reduce contaminant concentrations in mill effluent
On Mar. 22, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to amend the operating licence for Cameco Corporation's uranium mill facility located in Key Lake, Saskatchewan. This decision was made following a one-day public hearing held on January 25, 2007 in Ottawa, Ontario. The amendment includes the addition of a licence condition requiring Cameco Corporation to implement a three-phase action plan for the control and reduction of the selenium and molybdenum releases to the environment.
> Download Notice of Hearing Dec. 4, 2006, Rev. 1 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Jan. 25, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Mar. 22, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, Jan. 25, 2007 (PDF)
Cameco request for production increase at McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill
> see here
CNSC approves Key Lake license renewal, in spite of continuing pit sidewall sloughing into the tailings disposed in the Deilmann pit
> See also Cameco Regulatory Initiatives - Key Lake
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (July 8 and September 15, 2004), approved the application by Cameco Corporation, for the renewal of the mining operating licence for the Key Lake Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan.
The license renewal was issued, although the tailings disposal in the former Deilmann open pit suffers from periodic sloughing of the pit sidewalls. One million cubic meters of sand have already slumped into the tailings, and another half a million cubic meters potentially may follow. This sloughing not only decreases the capacity of the tailings disposal facility, it moreover distorts the performance of the facility in the long term which is based on the impermeability of the tailings. With the sand contents increased from sloughing, the permeability of the deposited tailings mass will rise and give way to increased groundwater circulation through the tailings and thus to increased contaminant mobilization. Cameco maintains, however, that preliminary calculations had shown that the permeability increase would only be minor and would not adversely impact the performance of the facility.
> Download CNSC Notice of Public Hearing (PDF)
> Download July 8, 2004 Updated Public Hearings Agenda (PDF)
> Download July 8, 2004 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> Download Sep. 15, 2004 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC news release Oct. 25, 2004
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Oct. 25, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Cameco's Licence renewal application July 2004 (2.2M PDF - Cameco)
> See also Cameco Regulatory Initiatives - Key Lake
In October 2002, Cameco submitted to CNSC a project proposal for the recycling of waste materials from the Blind River refinery and the Port Hope conversion facility (both located in Ontario) at its Key Lake uranium mill. Up to about 1500 tonnes per year of "recyclable product" with an uranium contents of 4% would be added to the normal ore feed of the mill to recover the uranium contained.
> View Cameco: Uranium Recycle Project
> Download Cameco's Project Proposal Nov. 2002 (10MB PDF)
> Download Additional Information - Environmental Assessment Study Report (EASR) for Uranium Recycle Project, October 2004 (440k PDF)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a two-day public hearing on an application by Cameco Corporation of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for a licence to operate the Key Lake Operation.
> Download Hearing Announcement
> Download CNSC REVISED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING August 9, 2001 (PDF)
> Download Transcript of August 9, 2001 hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of October 4, 2001 hearing (PDF)
The license renewal was approved on Oct. 30, 2001.
> Download Record of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2001) (PDF)
During its November 4, 1999 meeting, the AECB approved the operating licence for the processing of ore from the McArthur River mine at the Key Lake mill and for subaqueous disposal of the resulting tailings in the Deilmann pit.
(View AECB news release Nov. 8, 1999 )
An amendment to the operating licence was approved for the Cameco Corporation’s Key Lake Mine in northern Saskatchewan. This amendment would allow for the conversion of the Deilmann In-Pit Tailings Management Facility to the subaqueous deposition method; and the construction of ore receiving and blending facilities for the future processing of McArthur River Project ore.
> View AECB News Release 98-29 of Nov. 6, 1998
Aerial view: Google Maps
> View Rabbit Lake decommissioning issues
CNSC approves license renewal for Rabbit Lake uranium mine
On Oct. 23, 2008, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (June 11 / September 18, 2008), approved the application by Cameco Corporation (Cameco) to renew its operating licence for the Rabbit Lake Operation located in northern Saskatchewan. Cameco has requested a five-year licence term.
The current licence authorizes Cameco to operate an active underground uranium mine (Eagle Point Mine), three inactive and partially reclaimed and flooded open-pit mines (A-Zone, B-Zone and D-Zone Mines), a mill, various mine and mill waste management systems, and associated site facilities.
> Download Revised Notice of Public Hearing, May 12, 2008 (PDF) (CNSC)
> Download Hearing Transcript June 11, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Cameco June 11, 2008, presentation to CNSC (8.4M PDF)
> View CNSC news release 23 Oct. 2008
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
Seepage discovered at Rabbit Lake mill
Seepage from underneath Cameco Corp.'s Rabbit Lake mill was discovered this winter after a contract worker noticed a pool of uranium-tainted ice at an outdoor worksite adjacent to the facility.
After an investigation into the spill, the company found a solution used in processing uranium was leaking through certain areas of the mill floor and was travelling to the nearby worksite. The site is where an excavation was underway to install an addition to the area's environmental management system, said Cameco spokesman Gord Struthers.
When the leak was first found on Jan. 26, 2008, the solution had a uranium concentration of 3.2 grams per litre, he said. As of March 16, 2008, solution that had not yet been pumped back to the mill for processing had a uranium concentration of 0.27 grams per litre.
The seepage did not put workers or the environment in danger at any time, said Struthers, adding there will be no lasting damage. The mill floor has since been repaired and resealed.
(The Leader-Post Apr. 11, 2008)
Mining at Rabbit Lake slowed down due to increased water inflow
On November 28, 2007, Cameco Corporation announced that underground activities at the Eagle Point mine at the Rabbit Lake operation have been temporarily reduced as a precautionary measure.
The mine experienced an increase of water flow from a mining area at the same time as the capacity of the surface water-handling system was reduced due to an equipment upgrade. Limited mining activity will continue and the mill continues to operate with a small amount of stockpiled ore. This mine has encountered similar situations in the past and dealt with them successfully.
On January 2, 2008, Cameco Corporation announced its Rabbit Lake operation has resumed normal mining activities, after sealing off the source of the water inflow.
CNSC announces decision to proceed with consideration of the application for licence amendments related to the Rabbit Lake Solution Processing Project
Following a one day public hearing (June 11, 2008), the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced on June 19, 2008, its decision to accept the conclusions of the Screening Report for the Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Rabbit Lake Solution Processing Project (Screening Report) and to proceed with a course of action consistent with paragraph 20(1)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; that is consideration of the applications for amendment of relevant operating licences under the provisions of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, April 11, 2008 (PDF) (CNSC)
> Download Hearing Transcript, June 11, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision
> View CNSC release June 19, 2008
> Download Summary Record of Proceedings and Decision, June 19, 2008 (PDF)
Cameco and Areva Resources release Environmental Impact Statement for the Rabbit Lake Solution Processing project (processing of Cigar Lake uranium ore at Rabbit Lake mill)
Cameco Corporation and AREVA Resources Canada Inc. have jointly submitted a proposal to process uranium from the Cigar Lake mine at the Rabbit Lake mill.
> Download Rabbit Lake Solution Processing Project Environmental Impact Statement, January 2008 (Cameco)
CNSC invites public comment on draft guidelines for the proposed Rabbit Lake Solution Processing project
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), together with Saskatchewan Environment, invites public comment on the draft project-specific guidelines for the proposed Rabbit Lake Solution Processing project Rabbit Lake Operation, in Saskatchewan. The screening environmental assessment will be conducted pursuant to the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The public comment period on the draft guidelines closes on October 14, 2005.
> View CNSC release Sep. 9, 2005
Project Proposal: Sask. Environment · Cameco
CNSC begins Environmental Assessment on processing of McClean lake uranium-rich solutions at Rabbit Lake mill
> View Environmental Assessment description (Feb. 10, 2005)
Cameco seeks approval for further processing of Cigar Lake uranium at Rabbit Lake mill
Cameco and its Cigar Lake joint venture partners are seeking regulatory approval to send approximately 12 million pounds U3O8 [4620 t U] from Cogema's McClean Lake mill to Cameco's Rabbit Lake mill for further processing. (Cameco Feb. 1, 2005)
> View: Regulatory Initiatives - Rabbit Lake (Cameco)
Sharp increase of uranium loads in lake sediments near Rabbit Lake mine
Effluents from the Rabbit Lake mine are causing a sharp increase in uranium loads in sediments of Wollaston Lake's Hidden Bay. While natural uranium levels in the lake sediment are below 3 µg/g, levels in Hidden Bay had reached approx. 25 µg/g in 2000, and have more than doubled each year since.
According to the Athabasca Working Group, who performed the tests during its annual environmental monitoring program, "This has been recognized by the company and they are looking into ways of reducing uranium in the effluent."
> Download: Wollaston Lake, Athabasca Working Group Environmental Monitoring Program 2003 (1M PDF - CRI)
(graph modified after: Wollaston Lake, Athabasca Working Group Environmental Monitoring Program 2003. Note: due to a split scale, the exponential increase is hardly visible in the original graph)
Apparently, efforts in reducing the uranium in the effluent were partly successful, since 2004 and 2005 sampling showed uranium levels in the lake sediment of approx. 90 µg/g, but these values are still approx. 30 times background.
> Download latest edition of: Wollaston Lake, Athabasca Working Group Environmental Monitoring Program (PDF - CRI)
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CNSC approves license renewal for Rabbit Lake mine
On October 24, 2003, following a public hearing held on June 25, 2003 and September 24, 2003, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to renew the uranium mine and mill operating licence for Cameco Corporation’s Rabbit Lake Operation located in northern Saskatchewan. The licence is valid until October 31, 2008.
> View CNSC News release Oct. 24, 2003
> Download Updated Meeting Agenda: June 25, 2003 · Sep. 24, 2003 (PDF)
> Download CNSC Hearing Transcript: June 25, 2003 ·
Sep. 24, 2003 (PDF)
> Download CNSC Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision (PDF)
Rabbit Lake mine restarted
On July 24, 2002, Cameco announced the restart of mining at its Rabbit Lake uranium operation. Mine production began at the operation’s Eagle Point underground mine and the mill will restart in August. Total production in 2002 is expected to be about 2.5 million pounds, ramping up to 6 million pounds on an annual basis. Existing reserves at Eagle Point will feed the mill for at least three years. In the latter half of the decade, the Rabbit Lake mill will be dedicated to process uranium from the Cigar Lake mine.
Eagle Point mine to restart in May 2002
At Rabbit Lake, progress continues toward the restart of the mine at Eagle Point. Mining operations are expected to resume in mid-May 2002. (Cameco April 29, 2002)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a two-day public hearing on an application by Cameco Corporation of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for a licence to operate the Rabbit Lake Mining Facility.
> Download Hearing Announcement
> Download CNSC REVISED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING August 9, 2001 (PDF)
> Download Transcript of August 9, 2001 hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of October 4, 2001 hearing (PDF)
The license renewal was approved on Oct. 30, 2001.
> Download Record of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2001) (PDF)
The Rabbit Lake mill will operate on existing stockpiles until they are depleted, about the end of the first quarter of 2001. At that time the mill will be placed on standby. Subject to market conditions and the receipt of regulatory approvals, Cameco anticipates restarting the Rabbit Lake mill in the first quarter of 2002, shortly after mining activities resume.
In 2001, Cameco will seek regulatory approval to reopen the Rabbit Lake operation based on the revised mining plan for the remaining approximately 20 million pounds (7700 t U) of reserves at Eagle Point. (Cameco News Release, Aug. 3. 2000)
On October 1, 1998, the Atomic Energy Control Board approved the renewal of the operating licence for the Cameco Corporation's Rabbit Lake Mine, in northern Saskatchewan, for a period of two years ending October 31, 2000. (AECB News Release 98-26 , Oct 2, 1998)
The public comment period for the proposed renewal had ended on September 10, 1998. (AECB News Release 98-21 , July 22, 1998)
Milling of available reserves will be completed in the year 2001.
> see extra page
Aerial view: Google Maps
CNSC confirms order to Earth Sciences to clean up Calgary uranium recovery plant
ESIRL's uranium recovery plant became unlicensed following the expiry of ESIRL's licence on July 31, 2006.
On August 30, 2006, the Designated Officer, pursuant to her authority under paragraph 37(2)(f) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act2 (NSCA), issued an Order to ESIRL. The Order required ESIRL to immediately comply with specific actions and measures identified in the Order, pursuant to section 41 of the NSCA. Among other actions and measures, ESIRL was ordered to complete the clean-up of the facility and submit a report to the Director General, Directorate of Nuclear Cycle and Facilities Regulation of the CNSC and provide the results of the final radiological survey conducted.
On May 16, 2007, CNSC confirmed the order, with amendments.
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, May 16, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision - Erratum, July 9, 2007 (PDF)
CNSC renews license for Earth Sciences' idle Calgary uranium recovery plant with conditions
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing on November 30, 2005, approved an application by Earth Sciences Extraction Company (ESEC) for the renewal of the licence for its uranium recovery facility located in Calgary, Alberta. The license is, however, limited to 8 months and for maintaining the facility in a secure shutdown state only.
> Download CNSC Notice of Public Hearing, Oct. 6, 2005 (PDF)
"ESEC's facility in Calgary, Alberta, recovered uranium from phosphoric acid
during the period from 1983 through 1987. Uranium oxide production was suspended
in the fall of 1987 when the adjacent fertilizer plant from which the facility
received its feedstock suspended operations. The contract under which the
uranium was sold was modified in 1990 to allow unrestricted alternative use of
the facility. Revamp of the facility to allow production of purified phosphate
products was completed in 1997. The Calgary facility routinely produced
technical grade phosphoric acid through August 1999 when operations were
suspended for lack of sufficient working capital." (from Earth Sciences, Inc.'s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003)
> Download Hearing Transcript, Nov. 30, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Jan. 12, 2006 (PDF)
