The Midwest Project: Mining and milling

Saskatchewan

Start date: March 2, 2006
CEAR reference number: 06-03-17519
Proponent: AREVA Resources Canada Inc. (formerly COGEMA Resources Inc.)
Location: McClean Lake, Saskatchewan

Latest Update

• September 12, 2012 - Responsible Authorities Course of Action Decision
• August 15, 2012 - Canada's Environment Minister Announces Decision on the Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Mining and Milling the Midwest Project (source: CEAA web site)
• May 28, 2012 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency invites public comments on the Comprehensive Study Report (source: CEAA web site)
• View project milestones for the Midwest project.
• December 8, 2009 - Project Agreement for the Midwest Uranium Mining and Milling Project in Saskatchewan (source: MWMO web site)
• October 22, 2007 - Midwest Uranium Mine Project - Environmental Assessment to Continue as a Comprehensive Study (external link)
• April 12, 2007 - Public Hearing on the Scoping Document
• March 29, 2007 - Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Participant Funding Program (CEAA website)
• February 9, 2007 - Notice of Public Hearing on the Scoping Document
• January 5, 2007 - Request for Public Comment - Draft Scoping Document - Comment Period Closed
• December 1, 2006 - Public Comment Invited on the Draft Project-Specific Guidelines and Scoping Document for the Proposed Midwest Uranium Mine Development Project

Project Description

The Midwest Project involves the mining and milling of a uranium deposit located near the eastern margin of the Athabasca basin in northern Saskatchewan; about 15 km west of the JEB mill at the McClean Lake Operation.

COGEMA has proposed to extend the mining and milling activities at the McClean Lake Operation to include the Midwest Project. The project includes the following components:

• development of the Midwest ore deposit as an open pit mine;
• development of a dedicated haul road linking the Midwest development with the existing McClean Lake Operation; and
• increasing the production capacity of the JEB mill to accommodate the planned rate for milling of the Midwest ore.

Before the Commission makes its decision on the proposal, an environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and to determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

Read more about project milestones.

Further Information

For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, contact the CNSC.