McClean Lake
Since the completion of mining at the Sue B pit in November 2008, crews continued working on maintenance and reclamation activities at the mine area. The JEB mill is currently processing stockpiled ore from the mined-out Sue E and B pits. McClean Lake recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of operations in June 2009.
Each week, the planes arrive with workers from Saskatoon, Prince Albert and seven northern pick-up points. The passengers are on their regular one-week-on/one-weekoff shifts. Some will stay in the new camp wing, which has added 140 new rooms with increased comfort in a high energy-efficient building – bringing the total number of rooms to 292. The original dorms are also being upgraded to increase comfort and energy efficiency.
With over 40 million pounds of uranium concentrate produced since its inception, McClean Lake is the flagship of AREVA Resources Canada. The McClean Lake mill is the most technologically advanced uranium mill in the world. It can process ore grades from less than 1% to 30% uranium. The mill has been expanded to process the future ore from the Cigar Lake project.
The mine was the first uranium mine in North America to obtain OHSAS 18001 international occupational health and safety management system certification, on June 2, 2008. In 2000, McClean Lake became the first uranium mine in North America to achieve ISO 14001 environmental management certification.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approved the renewal of the operating licence for a period of eight years from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2017. The eight-year term is a first for the Canadian uranium mining industry. The new licence also authorizes mining of the McClean Lake North Deposits consisting of several ‘pods’ of uranium to be mined from the surface through the innovative Mining Equipment Development (MED) Program. The MED Program uses high-pressure water to cut ore loose and pump it to the surface. The licence for the current care and maintenance activities at the Midwest site is now included in the McClean Lake licence.
Caribou is a smaller uranium deposit 1.8 km northwest of the Sue mine area at McClean Lake. The relatively shallow orebody is about 100-130 metres below the surface, conducive to open pit development. However, depressed uranium prices and increased production costs have resulted in postponement of development – and the unfortunate layoffs of employees with the suspension of site mining activities. The licensing process continues so that the project will be ready when a decision is made to proceed.
OWNERSHIP
70% AREVA Resources Canada (operator)
22.5% Denison Mines Inc.
7.5% OURD Canada Co. Ltd.
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
28.2 million pounds U3O8
(Dec 2008)
McArthur River
McArthur River is the world’s largest highgrade uranium mine, contributing more than 16% of the world’s uranium production. It began operation in December 1999 and received ISO 14001 environmental certification in January 2003. Annual production capacity is 18.7 million lbs. U3O8 (7,193 tonnes uranium), which is milled at Key Lake. In 2008, total ore milled was 16.6 million lbs. U3O8 (6,385 tonnes uranium).
OWNERSHIP
30% AREVA Resources Canada
70% Cameco Corporation (operator)
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
332.6 million pounds U3O8
(Dec 2008)
Cigar Lake
In August 2008, development at Cigar Lake was halted by a new inflow of water during an attempt to dewater the underground mine. Work is progressing to remediate the situation and seal the mine, so that planned mine development can continue. Cigar Lake is the world’s second-largest known high-grade orebody. Planned annual production is 18 million lbs. U3O8 (6,924 tonnes uranium). When production begins, slurry will be trucked about 80 km to the McClean Lake mill for processing.
OWNERSHIP
37% AREVA Resources Canada
50% Cameco Corporation (operator)
8% Idemitsu Uranium Exploration Ltd.
5% TEPCO Resources
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
226.3 million pounds U3O8
(Dec 2008)
Key Lake
In operation since 1983, Key Lake is the world’s largest uranium milling operation, capable of producing 16% of the world’s annual uranium production. The mill has a rated annual capacity of 18.7 million pounds U3O8 (7,193 tonnes uranium). Mining no longer occurs at Key Lake, with all ore now coming from McArthur River (see McArthur River).
OWNERSHIP
17% AREVA Resources Canada
83% Cameco Corporation (operator)
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
Mining no longer occurs
Midwest
The Midwest Project, located 16 km west of McClean Lake, will comprise an open pit mine and a utility and transportation corridor to move ore and treated mine water to McClean Lake. The ore will be processed at the McClean Lake mill. Rising anticipated costs and lower uranium prices contributed to the decision to delay the development of Midwest. The environmental assessment and engineering activities are continuing, so that the project will be ready to proceed when market conditions improve.
OWNERSHIP
69% AREVA Resources Canada (operator)
25% Denison Mines Inc.
6% OURD Canada Co. Ltd.
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
42.5 million pounds U3O8
(Dec 2008)
Shea Creek
Shea Creek hosts the Kianna, Anne and Colette deposits within a 196 km² exploration lease. Access is year-round by Provincial Highway #955 and by air, including float planes. Field exploration is currently conducted from the former Cluff Lake mine camp, 13 km north.
OWNERSHIP
51% AREVA Resources Canada (operator)
49% UEX Corporation
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
Exploration project
Kiggavik and Sissons
The Kiggavik and Sissons projects, located about 80 km west of Baker Lake Nunavut, are in the process of being amalgamated into one joint venture operated by AREVA Resources Canada. There will be four open pit mines and one underground mine, with 400-600 permanent jobs during operation.
OWNERSHIP
AREVA Resources Canada (operator)
JCU Exploration (Canada) Co. Ltd.
DAEWOO Corporation
RESERVES AND RESOURCES
Exploration project