The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has announced it will renew the uranium mine licence held by Cameco for its Cigar Lake Operation in northern Saskatchewan. This follows a public hearing held virtually on April 28 and 29.
The Commission says it considered oral and written submissions from Cameco, Commission staff, and 31 intervenors.

The Commission concluded that Cameco is qualified to carry out the mining activities that the renewed licence will authorize. It also concluded that Cameco will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, and the health and safety of persons.

The renewed licence is valid until June 30, 2031.

Cigar Lake is located about 900 km north of Saskatoon. It is the world’s highest-grade uranium mine.

Since commissioning in 2014, the site has produced a total of 93 million pounds of ore.

Cigar Lake’s ore is processed 70 km northeast at the McClean Lake mill, which is operated by Orano.