News Releases

CNSC Renews the Operating Licence for Cameco Corporation’s Key Lake Uranium Mill

08-25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2008

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to renew the Uranium Mine Operating Licence for Cameco Corporation’s (Cameco) Key Lake Uranium Mill located in northern Saskatchewan. The licence will be valid from November 1, 2008 until
October 31, 2013.

The Commission, in making its decision, considered information presented for a public hearing held on June 11, 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario, and on September 17, 2008 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. During the two-day public hearing, the Commission received and considered submissions from Cameco and 12 intervenors and recommendations from CNSC staff.

The Commission is satisfied that the licensee meets the requirements of section 24 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Commission concludes that Cameco is qualified to carry out the activities that will be permitted under the renewed licence and that it will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.

With this decision, the Commission requests that Cameco and CNSC staff prepare status reports on the safety performance of the facility following the midpoint of the five-year licence term, to be presented at a public proceeding of the Commission, approximately in June 2011. With the intent to enhance its oversight of the facility during the next licence period, the Commission also requests that Cameco present progress reports on specific initiatives, to be presented at public proceedings of the Commission in April and September 2009.

The Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, is available upon request to the Commission Secretariat. It will be available, in both official languages, on the CNSC Web site at a later date. Transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
613-947-0247
1-800-668-5284 
interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca