Orano Canada Inc. (Orano) is pleased to announce that following the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) public hearing on March 1, 2023, the CNSC has approved Orano’s application to revoke the Cluff Lake Project’s mine and mill operating licence to allow for the site to be transferred to the Province of Saskatchewan under its Institutional Control Program.
The Cluff Lake project produced over 62 million pounds of uranium concentrate during its operation from 1979 to 2002. The operation consisted of two underground mines, four open pit mines, a tailings management facility, a mill and other support facilities. The site is fully decommissioned with open access to the public since 2013.
“The best demonstration of responsible mining is the remediation management. The decision of the CNSC is the recognition of Orano’s expertise in sustainable mine closure which is part of our DNA/commitment,” said Nicolas Maes President, Orano Mining.
“I am grateful to our dedicated staff for their commitment to this project and their work to ensure that the land is available for local traditional use. We are also appreciative of the Indigenous, Métis and other community members who shared their knowledge of the lands. We have many employees who remember the days of working at Cluff Lake and we celebrate the successful decommissioning of the project. Work will continue with the Province to transfer the property into the Institutional Control Program,” said Orano Canada’s President and CEO, Jim Corman.
The Cluff Lake Project is an example of how uranium mining can be done both safely and responsibly, and how it can contribute to the global supply of clean energy. Orano is proud of this achievement, and is committed to continue contributing to the development of the sustainable uranium industry in Canada and abroad.