Postponed – Millennium Mine Project

Saskatchewan

Environmental assessment (EA) start date:  August 21, 2009
CEAR reference number:  09-03-49928
Proponent: Cameco Corporation
Location: Moon Lake

Latest update

• May 16, 2014 – Notice of adjournment of public hearing – Millennium Mine Project
• October 18, 2013 – Public comments iInvited on draft comprehensive study report, environmental impact statement and technical review comments
• September 22, 2010 – Final project specific guidelines scoping document for the proposed Millennium Mine Project
• September 22, 2010 – Record of proceedings, including reasons for decision – Cameco Corporation – Project specific guidelines scoping document for the proposed Millennium Mine Project (available upon request)
• July 19, 2010 – Public comments invited on the project and conduct of the comprehensive study
• May 14, 2010 – Millennium Mine Project: Availability of $20,000 to participate in the environmental assessment (source: CEAA website)
• May 14, 2010 – Draft project-specific guidelines scoping document (source: CEAA website)
• May 14, 2010 – Public comment invited on the draft project-specific Guidelines and scoping document for the proposed Millennium Mine Project (source: CEAA website)

Project description

On May 15, 2014 Cameco informed the Canadian Nuclear safety Commission (CNSC) that it does not wish to proceed with the licensing of the Millennium Mine Project at this time due to current economic conditions.

As a result, the public hearing for consideration of the EA report and licensing of the Millennium Mine Project scheduled for June 18, 2014 was adjourned, and the EA report has been put on hold. If, at a later date, Cameco requests the Commission to consider the application for a licence for the project, the EA report will be re-opened and completed at that time.

In 2009, the CNSC received a project description from Cameco Corporation for the issuance of a licence to construct and operate a new uranium mine.

Cameco Corporation was proposing to develop an underground uranium mine located in the southeastern part of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, approximately 600 km north of Saskatoon. The proposed Millennium Mine would produce 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of ore annually for six to seven years. Ore and associated waste materials would be transported to a licensed mill along a new 21 km access road that would connect to the existing road network.

CNSC authorization in the form of a licence issued under subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) is required in order for the project to proceed.

Before the Commission can consider an NSCA licensing decision regarding Cameco Corporation's proposal, an EA must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an EA is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

Further information

CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its EAs. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this EA, please contact:

Nicole Frigault
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Environmental Assessment Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P. O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Telephone: 1-800-668-5284
Fax: 613-995-5086
Email: EA@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.