Crews safely re-entered the main working level of the Cigar Lake mine, 480 m below surface, on February 10. Prior to re-entry, the mine was fully dewatered and the main shaft refurbished including installation of the ladderway, replacement of electrical and mechanical components, and extension of the in-shaft pumping system. The workings at the 420 m level, where the last inflow occurred, have been inspected and secured. It is the world’s largest undeveloped high-grade uranium deposit with Proven and Probable reserves of more than 226.3 Mlb U3O8 at an average grade of 20.7% (Cameco’s share – 113.2 Mlb). Safe access to the 480 m level has been established and work to inspect, assess and secure the underground development has begun. This work will be followed by restoration of underground mine systems and infrastructure in preparation for resumed construction activities.
“Resuming work underground is a key milestone for the Cigar Lake project,” said Cameco’s President and CEO Jerry Grandey. “We have incorporated the knowledge gained in the Athabasca Basin to systematically and diligently manage this project as we move toward our goal of safe, reliable production.” Work to secure the underground is expected to be complete before October 2010 depending upon the condition of the mine.
Cameco owns 50% and is operator of the Cigar Lake project located in northern Saskatchewan. Remediation work is continuing to restore underground workings after water inflows in 2006 and 2008. Construction began January 2005.
Just over half of Cigar Lake’s uranium will be trucked to Cameco’s Rabbit Lake operation as a solution for final processing. This is expected to extend the life of Cameco’s Rabbit Lake operation.
- Cameco is the operator
