The province is now responsible for the Cluff Lake mining property.
Orano will no longer held for decommissioning the mill and mine site, following a decision last year from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to revoke Orano’s licence for the mine.
The Cliff Lake property will be transferred to the provincial Institutional Control Program, as Orano provided a long-term monitoring and maintenance plan as well as adequate funds to the province to carry out future efforts.
“The achievement of full decommissioning of the Cluff Lake site and it’s return to nature is something that we as Orano are very proud to celebrate. The project shows that we, as responsible miners, have the ability and the experience to bring a uranium mining project through the entire life cycle successfully,” said Orano Mining Chief Executive Officer Xavier Saint Martin Tillet.
The Mine produced over 62 million pounds of uranium concentrate during its operation from 1979 to 2002. The operation consisted of two underground mines, four open pit mines, a tailings management facility, a mill and other support facilities.
“Over the past 20 years many employees, past and present, contractors and community members have been involved in making this a reality and we thank them for their dedication, commitment and expertise,” said Orano Canada’s President and CEO, Jim Corman.
The area has unrestricted public access, with no restrictions on traditional land use. Numerous studies have concluded that the area is safe today and into the future for hunting, fishing, drinking water and the gathering of berries.