Cameco Spill More Serious

Cameco Spill More Serious

Friday, January 21, 2011 at 14:16

A spill of uranium concentrate in a cargo ship was more serious than originally thought.

A ship with uranium from Cameco that was destined for China and left just before Christmas was forced to turn back due to severe weather.

Some drums with uranium concentrate has spilled, but it was believed the spill was contained.

However, upon viewing a section of the cargo hold, Cameco officials discoered a number of the sea containers that were holding the drums are damaged, and there is some loose uranium in the hold.

The company says the ship remains docked until officials develop a plan for full remediation with government agencies.

Cameco was working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Transport Canada.

The uranium remains confined in the hold, which is sealed and locked.