Saskatchewan

Millennium Mine Project

Environmental assessment Start date:  August 21, 2009
Type: Comprehensive Study
CEAR reference number:  09-03-49928
Proponent: Cameco Corporation
Location: Moon Lake

Latest Update

• 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 Web site)
• May 14, 2010 – Draft Project-Specific Guidelines Scoping Document (source: CEAA Web site)
• May 14, 2010 – Public Comment Invited on the Draft Project-Specific Guidelines and Scoping Document for the Proposed Millennium Mine Project (source: CEAA Web site)

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a project description from Cameco Corporation for the issuance of a licence to construct and operate a new uranium mine.

Cameco Corporation is 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 a NSCA licensing decision regarding Cameco Corporation’s proposal, an environmental assessment (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 Environmental Assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, please contact:

Heather Harpell
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

CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.