New Uranium Mining Projects - Saskatchewan, Canada 
(last updated 12 Jan 2012)
Site Index
Cigar Lake (extra page) ·
Dawn Lake ·
Hidden Bay ·
Midwest ·
Millennium ·
Roughrider ·
Shea Creek
> See also Issues for:
Operating Mines ·
Decommissioning Projects ·
Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for:
Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines ·
Old Mines and Decommissioning (NWT)
> See also: New Uranium Mining Projects - Canada (Archive)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Saskatchewan: - sorry, too many to list here -
Athabasca Basin Exploration Properties 
(Exploration GIS)
Drilling company employee dies in accident at Cree East project uranium exploration site
On February 22nd, 2011, CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. announced that an employee of DJ Drilling (2004) Ltd., the drill contractor for the company on the Cree East project, was killed when the bulldozer he was driving fell through the ice into Cree Lake, SK early yesterday (Feb. 21) morning.
Uranium exploration company fined CDN$ 85,676 for burning hazardous waste in northern Saskatchwan
Titan Uranium Incorporated has been convicted in La Ronge Provincial Court of one count under the Crown Resource Land Regulations and fined a total of CDN$ 85,676 for burning hazardous waste materials.
The Ministry of Environment received a call in April 2009 that led conservation officers to a remote area on Sutton Lake in northern Saskatchewan to investigate a suspicious fire. Hazardous waste materials had been ignited and left to burn at a vacant exploration camp site, resulting in environmental charges being laid against the company.
(Gov. of Saskatechewan Oct. 14, 2010)
Sparton and NuCoal to evaluate NuCoal's Saskatchewan coal holdings for germanium and uranium
On Aug. 26, 2009, Sparton Resources Inc. and NuCoal Energy Corporation , announced that they have executed a Memorandum of Understanding wherein Sparton and NuCoal will jointly evaluate the potential of NuCoal's lignitic coal holdings in Saskatchewan to host commercial germanium and uranium mineralization.
Bishops raise concerns over nuclear and uranium industry development in Saskatchewan
Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican bishops, speaking on behalf of their churches in Saskatchewan, raised concerns about the Saskatchewan Party government's pursuit of nuclear development in the province.
Bishop Cynthia Halmarson of the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada told reporters in a prepared statement that "exploiting the Earth's resources . . . beyond their normal spatial and temporal scales is sinful against God and against God's creation according to Christian belief."
"Of particular concern is that the potential damage to nature with respect to the uranium industry is of a different order and magnitude of past damage, manifested in ways distinct from nature's own regenerative and restorative capacities for life and self-renewal," she said, flanked by Daniel Bohan, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Regina and Gregory Kerr-Wilson, the Anglican Bishop of the Qu'Appelle diocese.
(The Star Phoenix Feb. 25, 2009)
Triple Five Group makes agreements with seven Saskatchewan First Nations for uranium exploration
The company behind two of North America's mammoth shopping malls says it is going to look for uranium in northern Saskatchewan.
Triple Five Group , owned by Edmonton's Ghermezian family, says it has made economic development agreements with seven Saskatchewan First Nations.
The biggest agreement appears to be with the English River First Nation and will allow the company to look for and develop the uranium on traditional lands near Slush Lake.
(The Canadian Press Feb. 13, 2008)
Chinese company enters Joint Venture for uranium exploration in Saskatchewan
On Jan. 7, 2008, Ditem Explorations Inc. announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sinosteel Scie-Tech Development Corporation (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinosteel Corp. ) on exploration and development work on uranium properties in the Athabasca Basin.
Black Lake Denesuline First Nation options reserve lands to CanAlaska Uranium Ltd for uranium exploration
On Dec. 21, 2006, CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. announced that it has finalized an
option agreement with the Black Lake Denesuline First Nation to undertake
uranium exploration on Black Lake Reserve lands. The Black Lake lands are
located on the northern rim of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada
and cover 32,036 hectares (79,163 acres).
Fond Du Lac Denesuline First Nation options reserve lands to CanAlaska Uranium Ltd for uranium exploration
On Nov. 29, 2006, CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. announced that it has entered into an
option agreement with the Fond Du Lac Denesuline First Nation to undertake
uranium exploration on its reserve lands. The Fond Du Lac lands are located
on the northern rim of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada and
cover 38,458 hectares (95,030 acres).
The region is known to host several uranium occurrences, including the
Fond Du Lac uranium deposit, which was delineated by Eldorado Nuclear in
the 1970's and hosts an historical reserve estimate (non 43-101 compliant)
of 1 million pounds U3O8 at a grade of 0.25% U3O8.
> View deposit info
CNSC to hold un-hearing on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Cameco's Millennium uranium mine project:
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a hearing in September 2010 to
consider the approval of the Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Cameco Corporation's proposed project for the development of an underground mine "Millennium" located in the Athabasca basin of northern Saskatchewan.
Cameco Corporation requires CNSC authorization to proceed with this work. The project will consist of an underground uranium mine located approximately 36 kilometres northeast of Cameco Corporation's Key Lake Operation. No milling would take place on-site. Ore and associated waste materials would be transported to a licensed mill along a new 21-kilometre access road that would connect to the existing road network between the Key Lake Operation and the McArthur River mine site. The proposed Millennium mine would produce 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of ore annually for six to seven years.
The Commission has determined that a public hearing is not necessary to consider the proposed Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Cameco Corporation's request.
> Download Notice of Hearing, Sep. 20, 2010 (PDF)
Public Comments Invited on the project and conduct of the Comprehensive Study for the Millennium Mine Project:
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.
Comments received by the CNSC by July 29, 2010 will be considered.
> Download Public Notice July 19, 2010
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $20,000 under its Participant Funding Program to assist groups and individuals to participate in the environmental assessment of the proposed Millennium Mine project in northern Saskatchewan.
Applications received by the Agency by June 15, 2010 will be considered.
> View Public Notice May 14, 2010 (CEAA)
Cameco Corporation is proposing to construct and operate a new underground uranium mine - the Millennium Project - north of its Key Lake Development.
The "Draft Project-Specific Guidelines Scoping Document for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, Millennium Project, Cameco Corporation, May 2010" has been released for public comment; written comments should be submitted by 22 June, 2010.
> View 2009-070, Cameco Corporation - Millennium Project (Environment Saskatchewan)
> View Millenium Mine Project Environmental Assessment information (CNSC)
Government agencies sign Project Agreement on federal review of Millennium uranium mine project
> Download Project agreement for the Millennium uranium mine project in Saskatchewan (MPMO)
Cameco, as operator of the Cree Extension Joint Venture, is seeking regulatory approval to proceed with the Millennium project. The project is a proposed underground uranium mine located about 600 kilometres north of Saskatoon. This project is proposed as a mine-only development. There are no plans to construct on-site milling or tailings facilities. (Cameco, Sep. 8, 2009)
- The deposit contains indicated resources of 46.8 million pounds U3O8 [18,000 t U] at an average grade of 4.53% uranium at depths between 615 and 730 metres below surface.
- The proposed mine would produce 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of ore annually at a
nominal grade of 2% for six to seven years.
- Ore and mineralized waste rock would be transported for processing or storage to a licensed mill, likely at the Key Lake operation, which is about 36 km southwest of the Millennium site.
- Subject to regulatory approval, construction of the Millennium Access Road would begin in 2012, followed by shaft sinking and surface and underground development from 2013 to 2017.
> View Millennium regulatory information (Cameco)
> Download Millennium Project, Project Description, Aug. 2009 (11.1M PDF - Cameco)
> View Millenium Mine Project Environmental Assessment information (CNSC)
> See extra page
> View Midwest ownership details
Government agencies sign Project Agreement on federal review of Midwest uranium mine project
"[...] the signatories (the Parties) to this Agreement commit to work together to facilitate an effective, accountable, transparent, timely and predictable federal review in relation to the development proposal and to contribute to the discharging of any duty to consult with Aboriginal groups."
> Download Project agreement for the Midwest uranium mining and milling project in Saskatchewan (Major Projects Management Office - MPMO)
Licence renewal for McClean Lake and Midwest
On June 30, 2009, CNSC announced its decision to revoke AREVA's Midwest Uranium Site Preparation Licence and to include it in McClean Lake licence.
> See details
Midwest uranium mine project postponed
On Nov. 25, 2008, Denison Mines Corp. announced that the owners of the Midwest joint venture consisting of AREVA (69.16%), OURD (5.67%) and Denison (25.17%) have determined that the development of the Midwest Project will be postponed due to current economic conditions. The status of the project will be reviewed every six months.
The postponement is a result of the current economic climate, delays and uncertainties associated with the regulatory approval process, the increasing capital and operating costs and the current market for uranium. Based on current estimates, capital costs have increased approximately 50% from the previous estimate of Cdn$435 million.
Midwest uranium mine project partners decide to proceed with the development of the project
On Dec. 3, 2007, Denison Mines Corp. announced the formal decision of the joint venture partners in the Midwest uranium mine project to proceed with the development of the project.
Subject to regulatory approvals, site construction, including the haul road, water treatment and other facilities, could begin in mid-2009. Stripping of the rock over the ore would then commence in early 2010 with ore removal starting in mid-2011 and continuing through to 2013.
The total capital cost including mine development and the related McClean Lake mill expansion of about $100 million will be approximately $400 million.
Environmental Assessment for Midwest uranium mine project to continue as a Comprehensive Study
On October 22, 2007, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency announced that the Minister of the Environment has determined that the Comprehensive Study currently underway is the most appropriate type of environmental assessment for the proposed Midwest Uranium Mine Project in northern Saskatchewan.
The responsible authorities will now continue the Comprehensive Study and will provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the environmental assessment.
> Download Midwest Project Environmental Impact Statement, August 2007 (Areva Resources)
CEAA offers participant funding for Environmental Assessment of Midwest uranium mine project
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making $20,000 available under its participant funding program to assist groups and/or individuals to take part in the environmental assessment of the Midwest Uranium Mine Development Project.
AREVA Resources Canada Inc. (AREVA) proposes changes to the current Midwest uranium mine development (Midwest Project) and to extend the mining and milling activities at the McClean Lake Operation to include the Midwest Project. The proposed project involves the open-pit mining of a uranium deposit located near the eastern margin of the Athabasca basin in northern Saskatchewan, and the transportation of the ore along a new dedicated haul road for milling at the McClean Lake Operation.
To be considered, applications must be received by the Agency by April 27, 2007.
> View Participant Funding Notice, March 29, 2007
> View Notice of Commencement of Environmental Assessment, Feb. 19, 2007
CNSC holds hearing on Areva's Environmental Assessment Track Report for Midwest uranium mine project
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing on April 12, 2007, to consider the Environmental Assessment Track Report regarding AREVA Resources Canada Inc.'s (AREVA) proposal to mine a uranium ore deposit as an open pit mine at its Midwest location; to construct a dedicated haul road and pipeline between the Midwest and McClean Lake sites; and to expand its McClean Lake mill. The Commission will also consider the Project Specific Guidelines and Comprehensive Study Scoping Document (the Scoping Document).
The public was invited to comment on the proposed Track Report and Scoping Document. On June 19, 2007, CNSC announced its decision to recommend that the environmental assessment be continued as a comprehensive study. CNSC also approved the project-specific EA Guidelines.
> Download: Notice of Public Hearing, February 9, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Apr. 12, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release June 19, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, June 11, 2007 (PDF)
Public comment invited on the Draft Project-Specific Guidelines and Scoping Document for the proposed Midwest uranium mine development project
Areva Resources Canada Inc. proposes changes to the Midwest uranium mine development and to extend the mining and milling activities at the McClean Lake operation to include the Midwest Project.
Public comments are due by January 5, 2007.
The project consists of the following components:
- developing the Midwest ore deposit as an open pit mine,
- developing a dedicated road linking the Midwest development with the
existing McClean Lake Operation; and
- increasing the production capacity of the JEB mill to accommodate the
planned rate for milling of the Midwest ore.
> Download Saskatchewan Environment Public Notice Dec. 2, 2006 (0.7M PDF)
> Download COGEMA Resources Inc. Midwest Project description/proposal, December 2005, Version 1 (8.9M PDF)
> Download Draft Project-specific guidelines and comprehensive study scoping document, environmental impact assessment of the Midwest Project, Areva Resources Canada Inc. (3.4M PDF)
> See also: Saskatchewan Environment Notices Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry
Areva commits to proceed with Midwest uranium mine project
According to Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, Areva has made it official it plans to proceed with a new uranium mine at the Midwest Project near the McClean Lake mill in the northwestern corner of the province.
It's subject to environmental and other approvals but if it goes ahead, it will cost $200 million to develop and will employ 100 people, Calvert said.
Industry Minister Eric Cline said it's expected development on the mine will start in 2007 - 2008 and processing of ore from the project at Areva's McLean Lake Mill will begin in 2009 - 2010.
(CBC Jun 28, 2006)
CNSC starts Environmental Assessment for Midwest Project
On March 2, 2006, CNSC started the Environmental Assessment for COGEMA Resources Inc.'s Midwest Project. The project includes the development of the Midwest open pit mine, the haul road linking the Midwest development with the existing McClean Lake Operation, and the production capacity increase of the JEB mill to accommodate the planned rate for milling of the Midwest ore.
> View project description (CNSC)
CNSC issues mine site preparation license for Midwest project
Following a public hearing on February 28, 2002 and April 18, 2002, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on May 16, 2002, announced its decision to issue a Uranium Mine Site Preparation Licence to COGEMA Resources Inc. (CRI) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the Midwest Project.
> View CNSC Release May 16, 2002
> Download Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision, May 16, 2002 (PDF)
> Download Transcript of April 18, 2002, Hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of February 28, 2002, Hearing (PDF)
> Download CNSC Release Dec. 3, 2001 (PDF)
AECB orders cease work at McClean Lake Tailings Management Facility
> See under McClean Lake
AECB approves construction of JEB Tailings Management Facility
> See under McClean Lake
Government approval for Midwest uranium mine project
On April 3, 1998, the Government of Canada and the Government of
Saskatchewan approved the Midwest uranium project to proceed
subject to certain conditions.
The Government of Canada agrees with most of the Review Panel's
recommendations (see below), with one major exception:
"The Government does not agree with the Panel's
condition that experiments be conducted to determine long-term
acceptability of the tailings management facility
before starting to deposit the tailings. Federal
regulatory agencies consider that experimental studies of the
aging tailings should take place at the same time that
disposal takes place." [...]
> View Natural Resources of Canada press release: 98/22 · 98/22 (a)
· 98/22 (b)
> View Govt. of Saskatchewan press releases: 98-231 · 98-232
Review Panel recommends approval of Midwest uranium mining
project, subject to conditions
- Panel demands for evidence that the proposed tailings
disposal won't have long term impacts on Fox Lake
- Panel expresses severe mistrust in COGEMA, the proposed
tailings management facility operator
On November 13, 1997, the Joint Federal-Provincial Panel on
Uranium Mining Developments in Northern Saskatchewan issued its
report to the government recommending the approval of the Midwest uranium mining project in
Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, subject to conditions.
The public review period for the Panel report ended February 5,
1998 (view SERM notice ).
> View Panel report: executive summary
· full report (191k)
> View Panel press release
The Midwest uranium deposit contains 13,200 tonnes of uranium at a high ore grade of 3.8%. The mining technology to be used is the same as that described for
the Cigar Lake project above.
The tailings resulting from the chemical uranium extraction from
the ore are also to be dumped in the open pit of the former JEB
uranium mine nearby, using the same management scheme as
described for the Cigar Lake project.
Public hearings on the project were held in the period of May 27
to June 15, 1996.
A bilingual (English/French) 14-page summary (The Midwest
Project - Environmental Impacts Statement - Executive Summary,
August 1995) of COGEMA's EIS is available from the Panel
Secretariat.
View Comments on the Environmental
Impact Statement for the Cigar Lake and Midwest Joint Ventures
Proposal (46k), prepared by Radioactive Waste Management Associates for the Saskatchewan Uranium Coalition (RWMA publication
No. 051).
On August 26, 1996, COGEMA Resources submitted a new plan for a
changed tailings disposal concept, compared to the plan
described in the EIS: the new plan comprises a combined pervious
surround and subaqueous disposal scheme.
On May 2, 1997, the Panel released additional information
received from the proponents, discussing the changed tailings
disposal technology. Public hearings on this matter were held on
August 26-28, 1997.
For updates on the review process, see CEAA Midwest Panel Information
> View Dawn Lake ownership details
Revocation of Mining Facility Removal Licence
On February 28, 2002, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing (February 28, 2002), approved an application by Cameco Corporation, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for revocation of its Mining Facility Removal Licence for the Dawn Lake Project, located in the McClean Lake area of northeastern Saskatchewan.
> Download CNSC Notice of Hearing (Dec. 20, 2001) (PDF)
> Download Transcript of February 28, 2002, Hearing (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (March 22, 2002) (PDF)
> View deposit info
Rio Tinto has acquired Hathor, owner of Roughrider deposit
On Jan. 12, 2012, Rio Tinto announced that it has acquired the remaining Hathor common shares and is now the registered holder of 100 per cent of the outstanding Hathor common shares.
On Jan. 7, 2012, Rio Tinto announced that it had acquired 93.76% of the outstanding common shares in Hathor Exploration Limited and now intends to acquire all outstanding Hathor common shares not tendered to the offer through a compulsory acquisition under the Canada Business Corporations Act.
After a bidding war with Cameco, Rio Tinto now holds 84.26% of the outstanding common shares in Hathor Exploration Limited, the owner of the Roughrider deposit. (I-Net Bridge Dec. 13, 2011)
Positive results of Preliminary Economic Assessment announced for Roughrider uranium deposit
On Sep. 13, 2011, Hathor Exploration Limited announced positive summary results of a preliminary economic assessment conducted for the Roughrider Uranium Deposit, including the West and East Zones, but not the Far East Zone.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility
Preliminary Assessment of economic viability of Roughrider deposit initiated
On June 22, 2011, Hathor announced that it has initiated an independent, NI 43-101 compliant Preliminary Assessment ("PA") of the Roughrider Uranium Deposit. The PA will evaluate, in detail, the economic viability of developing the deposit as it is currently defined, and express the viability in the form of a net-present-value analysis (NPV). The study will be authored by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. Completion is expected in approximately four months.
> View Shea Creek ownership details
Areva/UEX plan 950 m deep exploration shaft at Shea Creek
UEX Corporation announced that it has been informed of, and fully supports AREVA Resources Canada Inc.'s decision to launch the regulatory process regarding
the sinking of an exploration shaft and development of an exploration drift at
its Shea Creek Uranium Project. The proposed shaft has been strategically
located between the Anne and Kianna Deposits to provide underground access to
both deposits and the highly-prospective corridor between them. The proposed shaft will have a vertical depth from surface of approximately 950 metres and an estimated capital cost of $100 million (CDN).
(UEX Apr. 10, 2007)
Cogema Resources intersects 27.4% U3O8 over 8.8 metres at Shea Creek
"Hole SHE-114-5, the fifth unconformity impact from pilot hole SHE-114, intersected 27.4% U3O8 [23.2% U] over 8.8 metres, including 58.32% U3O8 [49.5% U] over 3.5 metres, at a point approximately 30 metres above the unconformity. The unconformity was intersected at 714.3 metres along the hole."
(UEX July 13, 2005)
Revocation of Mining Facility Removal Licence
On February 28, 2002, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing (February 28, 2002) approved an application by COGEMA Resources Inc., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for revocation of its Mining Facility Removal Licence for the Shea Creek Project, located in the Cluff Lake area of northwest Saskatchewan.
> Download CNSC Notice of Hearing (Dec. 20, 2001) (PDF)
> Download Transcript of February 28, 2002, Hearing (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (March 22, 2002) (PDF)
> View deposit info
Positive Preliminary Assessment announced for Horseshoe and Raven deposits
On Feb. 23, 2011, UEX Corporation announced that it has received the results of the Preliminary Assessment (PA) Technical Report on the Horseshoe and Raven deposits.
The report finds the economics of mining the 100%-owned Horseshoe and Raven deposits to be very robust and recommends the project be advanced to a preliminary feasibility level, and that this next phase of study also include the 100%-owned West Bear Deposit.
The PA assumes that uranium processing and tailings management will be conducted through a toll arrangement at one of the two nearby mills, one operated by Cameco Corporation and the other by AREVA Resources Canada Inc. As Cameco's Rabbit Lake mill is located within 4 km of Horseshoe and Raven and has excess capacity, the Report has focused on this facility.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility