Orano Canada Inc. and Denison Mines Corp., as joint-venture partners in the McClean Lake Joint Venture, are pleased to announce the successful start of uranium mining operations using the joint venture’s patented Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (“SABRE”) mining method. Orano Canada owns a 77.5% interest and is the operator of the MLJV and Denison owns a 22.5% interest.
SABRE mining of the McClean North uranium deposit (“McClean North”) commenced in June with approximately 250 tonnes of high-grade ore (+10% U3O8) estimated to have been recovered from the first mining cavity. Orano Canada also reports that it has successfully backfilled the first cavity, advanced the SABRE rig to the planned second mining cavity, and commenced processing of the recovered ore at the McClean Lake mill.
Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, President of Orano Mining said: “The first commercial production of uranium with the SABRE technique marks a new chapter, allowing us to access and explore new territories. This innovation reinforces our commitment to delivering a reliable and responsible supply of natural uranium to nuclear power producers worldwide, supporting the generation of low-carbon electricity.”
Jim Corman, Orano Canada’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our long-term investment in R&D within Orano and the MLJV has culminated in the safe mining, milling and packaging of ore that in the past would have been deemed economically challenging to develop. We are pleased to be actively mining again at McClean Lake and I am so proud of the employees, contractors and partners, who have cohesively brought this mining method and project to life. It truly is an innovative and exciting time to be in the uranium industry.”
David Cates, Denison’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The successful commencement of SABRE mining at McClean North marks a significant milestone in the history of the MLJV, as the joint venture returns to active mining operations for the first time since 2008. Orano Canada is a world-class operator that has consistently demonstrated excellence in operation and innovation in Saskatchewan. We congratulate Orano on its leadership, long-term vision, and dedication to the development of the MLJV’s SABRE mining method and ultimately the commercialization of the technology through the deployment at McClean North.”
Discover the latest trends and insights—explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
