Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission's decision to renew the mine and/or mill operating licences held by Cameco Corporation (Cameco) for the Key Lake Operation, McArthur River Operation and Rabbit Lake Operation. The Commission has renewed the licences as follows:
Key Lake Operation - uranium mill licence renewed for 20 years
McArthur River Operation - uranium mine licence renewed for 20 years
Rabbit Lake Operation - uranium mine and mill licence renewed for 15 years
The renewed licences authorize Cameco to continue to operate all 3 sites, which are located in northern Saskatchewan on Treaty 10 territory (1906) and the Homeland of the Métis, and are within the traditional territories of the Denesųłiné, Cree, and Métis peoples.
These decisions follow a public hearing held on June 7 and 8, 2023, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As part of each licence renewal, the Commission directs that Cameco provide comprehensive updates to the Commission on the conduct of its licensed activities as follows:
Key Lake Operation - every 7 years of the licence period, i.e., in 2030 and 2037
McArthur River Operation - every 7 years of the licence period, i.e., in 2030 and 2037
Rabbit Lake Operation - at the mid-point of the licence period, i.e., in 2030
In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from Cameco, CNSC staff, and over 30 intervenors. All submissions are available on the CNSC website. The CNSC made participant funding available through its Participant Funding Program and invited interventions from Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public and other interested parties. A funding review committee, independent of the CNSC, reviewed the funding applications received and made recommendations on the allocation of funds. Based on the committee's recommendations, the CNSC awarded up to $349,019 to 6 applicants:
- Participant funding awarded for the Key Lake and McArthur River operations
- Participant funding awarded for the Rabbit Lake Operation
After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that Cameco remains qualified to carry on the activities that the renewed licences will authorize. It also concluded that Cameco will continue to make adequate provision for the protection of the environment and the health and safety of persons.
