Orano Canada to temporarily suspend production at McClean Lake Uranium Mill

While both operations have made substantial efforts to protect employees and contractors from the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan has been experiencing an increase in the number of positive cases.

McClean Lake has managed a small number of positive cases on site this fall with the advice of provincial health authorities. All of the infections originated offsite and were discovered once the person came to the mill. Through coordination with northern leaders, Orano has made adjustments as necessary to work schedules to respond to localized COVID outbreaks in northern communities.

“While it has been at times challenging to ensure that we have the right people in the right place at the right time, our employees have been extremely flexible and we thank them for that,” said Orano Canada Inc. President and CEO Jim Corman. “I understand that this announcement will be difficult for many of our employees and I want them to know that I appreciate their commitment to our operation, and that we will do our best to minimize the disruption.”

Orano Canada and its partners in the McClean Lake joint venture, in conjunction with Cameco’s Cigar Lake mine operation, will work to determine the restart date and conditions.

Approximately 160 employees are at the McClean Lake mill at one time, following a two weeks in, two weeks out schedule. Once production is temporarily suspended, the number of employees onsite will be substantially reduced.