CNSC monitoring Northern Saskatchewan forest fires near uranium mines and mills

August 4, 2010

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is tracking the status of forest fires in the area of Cameco Corporation’s Rabbit Lake and AREVA Resources Inc.’s McClean Lake uranium mining and milling operations in Northern Saskatchewan.

There is no safety risk at the present time but Cameco and AREVA are taking precautionary measures in accordance with their emergency response plans. This involves close coordination and collaboration with provincial forest fire response teams.

The CNSC and its staff based at the Saskatoon office continue to monitor the situation and are in regular communication with Cameco and AREVA about the sites. The CNSC regulates uranium mines and mills in Canada and makes certain that licensees are prepared in the event of an emergency to protect the health, safety and security of workers, the public and the environment.