OTTAWA The plan for decommissioning the Cluff Lake uranium mine and mill in northern Saskatchewan will not be subject to further environmental assessment or review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Honourable David Anderson, federal Minister of the Environment made the announcement on April 15 and referred the project back to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Minister Anderson indicated in a press release that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects with the implementation of the mitigation measures outlined in the comprehensive study report.
The Cluff Lake mine, owned by COGEMA RESOURCES of Saskatoon, began production in 1980 but was closed in 2002 when reserves and stockpiles were depleted. The mill produced 4.2 million lb U3O8 during its last year of production. It was also named Canada's safest metal mine in 2002 by the CIM. Closure plans include covering the tailings management facility, flooding one pit, backfilling two other pits, and covering the waste and rock piles. Long-term monitoring of the site will be necessary.
Cogema holds an interest in the McArthur River, Cigar Lake and Key Lake uranium properties. Learn more at www.cogema.ca.
Comments