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Events Reporting: Uranium Mines and Mills

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2023

Cameco

Date of event: October 8, 2023

On October 8, 2023, Cameco Corporation informed the CNSC of a release of industrial water at the Key Lake Operation in northern Saskatchewan. The water that was released from the broken underground pipeline was treated effluent from the reverse osmosis plant. Key Lake is authorized to use the water for a variety of purposes, including for fire fighting and industrial uses. This particular industrial water contains additives related to its use in cooling towers.

Cameco has indicated that there is no evidence that the water has reached the receiving environment. CNSC staff continue to monitor the situation to ensure that workers and the environment remain protected.

Visit Cameco’s website for more information.

2021

Cameco

Date of event: June 30, 2021

On June 30, 2021, Cameco Corporation informed the CNSC of a forest fire in the vicinity of the Cigar Lake Mine in northern Saskatchewan. Based on advice from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, Cameco stopped production at Cigar Lake and evacuated non-essential staff. Mining operations were shut down and the site was placed in a safe state.

CNSC staff continue to monitor the situation to ensure that workers and the environment remain protected. Cameco reports that all site staff remain safe and accounted for, and that there were no releases to the environment.

The forest fire is no longer a threat to the facility and Cameco plans to resume operations this week, following the return of all workers to the site.

2020

Orano Canada Inc.

Date of Event: December 14, 2020

On December 14, Orano Canada Inc. informed the CNSC that an agitator in one of the leaching tanks was experiencing problems at its McClean Lake uranium mill. The air sweep system in the leaching tank was bypassed to allow for investigation of the agitator problems. The air sweep system is part of the safety system, as it removes hydrogen that is produced during the leaching process. Because the air sweep system was bypassed, elevated hydrogen levels built up overnight. When the air sweep system was turned on again, the safety system recognized the hydrogen levels and initiated the nitrogen purge system to place the tank into its safe state, as per design. There was no impact to the health and safety of the workers, the public or the environment due to this event.

Visit Orano Canada Inc.’s website for more information.

Orano Canada Inc.

Date of Event: December 14, 2020

The CNSC was informed by Orano Canada Inc. that it will temporarily suspend production at its McClean Lake uranium mill. This move comes in tandem with the suspension of production at the Cigar Lake uranium mine.

Orano Canada Inc. will maintain the necessary resources and essential services to operate critical systems and to ensure that it continues to meet all CNSC regulatory requirements.

Visit Orano Canada Inc.’s website for more information.

Cameco

Date of Event: December 14, 2020

The CNSC was informed by Cameco that it has temporarily suspended production at its Cigar Lake uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan. This suspension is due to the increasing risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and will extend over the coming weeks, in order to ensure the safety of local northern Saskatchewan communities and Cameco’s workforce.

Cameco will maintain the necessary resources and essential services to operate critical systems and to ensure that it continues to meet all CNSC regulatory requirements.

Visit Cameco’s website for more information.

2019

Cameco

Date of Event: October 15, 2019

The CNSC was informed by Cameco that approximately 150 litres of ferric sulphate, which is used to treat mine water, was spilled on October 15 at 4 a.m. While the ferric sulphate was being transferred from the delivery truck to the onsite storage tank, the hose became disconnected and the material was spilled onto the ground. Cameco promptly cleaned up the spill and removed the affected ground. The CNSC will be verifying the corrective actions. No radiological, environmental, or worker safety concerns remain.

For more information visit the Cameco website.

2018

Cameco

Date of Event: December 3, 2018

The CNSC was informed by Cameco that a sump area within the Key Lake mill has released an estimated 50 m3 of water, used for radon gas suppression, over the course of the year. The water was released to the ground at the mill. An investigation is underway, and the area will be pumped dry and further inspected.

CNSC staff remain in communication with Cameco with regard to this event and will be provided with a summary of the investigation and corrective actions. For further information, please visit "Environmental Events and Other Events" on the Cameco Key Lake website.

Cameco

Date of Event: November 18, 2018

In the early morning of November 18, 2018, a small propane leak was discovered at the Cameco Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill. As a precautionary measure, staff at the nearby environmental lab were evacuated while the leak was promptly shut off and repaired. The Rabbit Lake Safety Department was notified and responded by conducting gas testing, after which evacuated staff were able to return to work. There were no injuries reported as a result of the event. The Emergency Response Team was not activated. CNSC staff are verifying that appropriate actions have been, and continue to be taken, by Cameco.

Cameco

Date of Event: June 20, 2018

The CNSC is aware of the wildfires in northern Saskatchewan and is closely monitoring the situation near uranium mine and mill sites.

A lightning strike ignited a wildfire yesterday, June 20, 2018, approximately 2 km from Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine and mill facility.

Provincial fire crews are onsite, supported by facility emergency response staff who are following procedures and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment.

The facility is designed to withstand natural hazards with its own emergency response organization and mitigation measures in place.

The facility has been temporarily shut down since January 2018 and is in a safe state.

Cameco

Date of Event: May 2, 2018

A small ammonia leak was discovered on May 2, 2018 at the Cameco Key Lake mill facility. The area surrounding the leak was isolated and safety measures were put in place for staff making repairs. Given the low rate and mass of ammonia released, the quantity cannot be estimated at this time. No injuries or exposures have occurred. Repairs have been completed and the leak has been addressed.

CNSC staff is verifying that appropriate actions have been, and continue to be taken, by Cameco.

2017

Cameco

Date of Event: October 10, 2017

Cameco Key Lake was initiating the start-up of their acid plant sulphur furnace when a small propane explosion occurred. The facility safety systems functioned as designed and there were no injuries or measurable impact to the environment. The acid plant produces acid for uranium processing purposes within the Key Lake mill. There are no uranium processes within the acid plant; this event has no radiological association.

Cameco’s Key Lake emergency response team responded appropriately to the event. The CNSC and provincial regulators were notified. Cameco is conducting an investigation into the cause of the event and possible damage to the internal workings of the sulphur furnace.

CNSC staff remain in communication with Cameco with regard to this event and will be provided with a summary of the investigation and corrective actions. For further information, please visit “Environmental Events and Other Events” on the Cameco Key Lake website at:

https://www.cameco.com/businesses/uranium-operations/canada/mcarthur-river-key-lake/environment-safety

Cameco

Date of event: August 12, 2017

The CNSC was informed of a worker who suffered an injury to his hand while installing piping underground at the McArthur River mine. Work was halted and the equipment was taken out of service pending an investigation.

Visit Cameco’s environmental incidents and other events for more information.

Date of event: July 26, 2017

Cigar Lake Mine

The CNSC was informed of an ammonia gas release of approximately 10 lbs inside a refrigeration plant that is part of the ground-freezing system. The refrigeration plant was shut down immediately and placed in a safe state until repairs were made. Other freeze plants at the site were inspected following the incident and no issues were identified.

Visit Cameco’s environmental monitoring Web page for Cigar Lake for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: July 4, 2017

Cigar Lake Mine

The CNSC was informed of a small ammonia gas leak inside a refrigeration plant, which is part of the ground-freezing system at the mine site. No harm was caused to the employees, public or the environment as a result of the incident.

Visit Cameco’s environmental monitoring Web page for Cigar Lake for more information.

Date of event: June 21, 2017

Key Lake Mill

The CNSC was informed of a tractor-trailer unit carrying drummed uranium concentrate entered the ditch on Highway 914 south of the Key Lake mill in northern Saskatchewan. There was no harm to employees, the public or the environment as a result of the incident.

Visit Cameco’s Environment & Safety Web page for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: February 22, 2017

Cigar Lake Mine

The CNSC was informed that approximately 10 lbs of ammonia gas leaked inside a refrigeration plant, which is part of the ground-freezing system at the mine site. No harm was caused to the employees, public or the environment as a result of the incident.

Visit Cameco’s environmental monitoring Web page for Cigar Lake for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: January 22, 2017

McArthur River Mine

The CNSC was informed that a small amount of ore slurry was discovered on a trailer used to transport ore to the Key Lake mill for processing. Other slurry trailers were immediately inspected, and material was observed on five trailers. Testing confirmed that the material was ore slurry. An inspection of the load-out facility was conducted and a leak was found in the slurry delivery piping. There was no release of material during transport.

Visit Cameco’s Environment & Safety Web page for Key Lake for more information.

2016

Cameco

Date of event: November 9, 2016

Cigar Lake Mine

The CNSC was informed that a release of approximately 5 kg of ammonia gas occurred in the surface freeze plant at the Cigar Lake Mine because of an equipment failure. The equipment was safely shut down and repairs were completed.

Visit Cameco’s environmental monitoring Web page for Cigar Lake for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: September 14, 2016

Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill

The CNSC was informed of a release of propane at the Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill. As a precaution, Cameco implemented a number of measures, including having personnel muster at a safe distance. The source of the leak was stopped, and a full inspection of the pump farm was conducted after the incident. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the pump failure.

Visit Cameco’s environmental monitoring Web page for Rabbit Lake for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: August 29, 2016

Cigar Lake Uranium Mine, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco that a contract worker was injured during an encounter with a wolf at about 12 a.m. on August 29. The worker received medical treatment onsite and was transported to Saskatoon for further treatment. The Cigar Lake operation has implemented measures to ensure the safety of people at the site and has engaged provincial wildlife officers.

Visit Cameco's website for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: August 26, 2016

Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco on August 26, 2016, in accordance with the regulations and its licence conditions, that an underground pipe had leaked at its Rabbit Lake operation. The pipe, which connected the north drainage ditch pond with the Rabbit Lake In-Pit Tailings Management Facility (RLITMF), broke during decommissioning operations. The leak, containing low-level radium and uranium, occurred within the capture area of the RLITMF. All water released flowed directly to and was captured within the RLITMF. Flow from the pipe was stopped, and repairs were initiated. No impact on the environment is expected as a result of this release.

Visit Cameco's website for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: August 2, 2016

Key Lake Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and its licence conditions, that a contract worker was found deceased in his living quarters at the Key Lake Mill. Preliminary reports indicate the individual died of natural causes. This unfortunate event will be discussed at a public Commission meeting on June 22 and 23, 2016.

Visit Cameco's website for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: June 19, 2016

Key Lake Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and its licence conditions, that a contract worker was found deceased in his living quarters at the Key Lake Mill. Preliminary reports indicate the individual died of natural causes. This unfortunate event will be discussed at a public Commission meeting on June 22 and 23, 2016.

Visit Cameco's website for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: May 31, 2016

Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and their licence conditions, that a worker was injured at Cameco's Rabbit Lake operation in Saskatchewan. A contract worker was injured in a fall during planned maintenance work. This was a non-radiological event with no impact to the health and safety of other workers or the environment. CNSC staff are reviewing Cameco's initial reports and corrective actions taken.

Visit Cameco's website for more information.

Cameco

Date of event: April 9, 2016

Key Lake Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and their licence conditions, that a worker was injured at Cameco's Key Lake Mill in Saskatchewan. A truck driver was seriously injured in a fall from a tank trailer and was flown by air ambulance to Saskatoon to be admitted to hospital. This was a non-radiological event with no impact to the health and safety of other workers or the environment. The cause of the accident is under investigation by Cameco as well as agencies at the federal and provincial levels.

Visit Cameco's website for more information.

2015

Cameco

Date of event: Unknown

Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and their licence conditions, of an event at Cameco's Rabbit Lake Operation in northern Saskatchewan involving a fall of rock that was discovered in a tunnel after reopening an inactive area of the Eagle Point mine. Cameco is currently undertaking an assessment of the event. As a precautionary measure, non-essential personnel were removed from the mine and activities were restricted to ensure the safety of mine workers while the condition of the affected area is being assessed. This was a non-radiological event with no impact to health and safety or the environment.

Read Cameco's news release.

AREVA

Date of event: July 16, 2015

McClean Lake Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by AREVA, in accordance with the regulations and its licence conditions, that a worker was injured at AREVA's McClean Lake mill located in northern Saskatchewan. The individual was working on a high temperature dryer when he came in contact with heated uranium product resulting in a minor injury. No uranium was released into the environment as a result of this event. CNSC staff are reviewing AREVA's initial reports and corrective actions taken to prevent a similar occurrence. This event will be discussed at an upcoming public Commission meeting.

Visit AREVA's website for more information on this event.

Cameco

Date of event: July 2015

Key Lake Mill, McArthur River Mine, Cigar Lake Mine, and Rabbit Lake Mine and Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

Cameco update on the Saskatchewan forest fire situation (Source: Cameco)

Visit Cameco's Facebook page for the latest updates on the fire and operations.

Cameco

Date of event: February 16, 2015

Key Lake Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and their licence conditions, of an event at its Key Lake Mill involving uranium dust in a plant area normally free of uranium. No uranium was released into the environment as a result of this event. CNSC staff inspected the facility, reviewed Cameco's initial reports, and are satisfied with the corrective actions taken to date. On March 17, the CNSC announced that it had issued a request for action to Cameco and Areva to prevent a similar occurence at other operating mill facilities. This event will be discussed at a public Commission meeting on March 25, 2015. As per the CNSC's requirements for public disclosure, Cameco has posted information regarding this event.

Visit Cameco's website for more information on this event.

Cameco

Date of event: January 14, 2015

Key Lake Mill, Northern Saskatchewan

The CNSC was informed by Cameco, in accordance with the regulations and their licence conditions, of an event at its Key Lake Mill involving uranium dust in a plant area normally free of uranium. No uranium was released into the environment as a result of this event. CNSC staff inspected the facility, reviewed Cameco's initial reports, and are satisfied with the corrective actions taken to date. This event was discussed at a public Commission meeting on February 4, 2015.

Visit Cameco's website for more information on this event.

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