McArthur River uranium mine


The McArthur River Uranium Mine, in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, is the world's largest high-grade uranium deposit.
The McArthur River deposit was discovered in 1988. The property is located 620 air kilometres north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and 80 kilometres northeast of the Key Lake mill in the uranium rich Athabasca Basin. Mine construction began in 1997, with production commencing in 1999. The mine achieved full commercial production in November 2000. Production is regulated at 18.7 million pounds of yellowcake a year with the ore being processed through the Key Lake mill.
Between 2000 and 2013, the McArthur River/Key Lake operation produced 250.6 million pounds U3O8. This production figure includes blended low grade stockpiles from the former Key Lake mine as well as ore derived from the McArthur River mine.
In 2012, McArthur River was the world's largest producing uranium mine, accounting for 13% of world mine production. Canada, as a whole, produces 15% of the world's uranium production.
In late 2017, citing "continued low uranium prices," Cameco announced that the McArthur River/Key Lake operation would suspend production., the mine remains under care and maintenance

Reserves

As of December 31, 2017, the mine had Proven and Probable Reserves of 250.7 million pounds, with an average grade of 9.63% U3O8.

Awards

During the most hazardous mining operations, remote controlled underground mining systems in this mine are used to reduce personnel exposure to rock particulates, radon gas, and other hazards. A video detailing the operations at the mine is provided by CAMECO.
The McArthur River mine has been awarded the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's John T. Ryan Trophy for the best safety record for metal mines several times. This award is given to the metal mine with the best safety record for the previous year.

Ownership

The mine is owned by Cameco, and Orano Canada Cameco is the mine operator.

Access

The mine is serviced by the McArthur River Airport to the northeast. It is also connected to the south by a restricted access haulage road. According to Google Maps, this road is Saskatchewan Highway 914, however the official 2011 highway map of Saskatchewan indicates that 914 terminates at a checkpoint at Key Lake mine, while the road that continues to McArthur is not a public highway and does not appear on maps.