Operation Life Cycle

AREVA's commitment to the environment prevails through all aspects of a mine's life cycle, from exploration to mining, milling and decommissioning. Furthermore, AREVA continuously engages communities throughout each of these stages.

Regulatory

Regulatory processes continue throughout different stages in a project. At different stages of development, environmental assessments and operating licenses need to be completed and applied for. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment are key regulators that play a governing role in these processes.

Current Regulatory Projects: Caribou Project, Midwest Project, The Option to Mill a Portion of McArthur River Ore at McClean Lake Project, Tailings Management Facility Project, McClean Underground Project

Exploration

Five hundred times more common than gold, uranium is found nearly everywhere on earth, on land, and in water. The world's highest known concentrations are found in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. New deposits are found using various exploration techniques, such as airborne geophysical surveys, seismic analysis, geochemical studies, and of course the most conclusive method, drilling.

Current Exploration Projects: Kiggavik, Shea Creek, CAGE, Midwest, McClean Underground, Cigar Lake

Mining

Once uranium has been found, the deposits studied, and environmental and economic analysis completed, mining becomes the focus. There are two main types of mines in the uranium industry: open pit mines and underground mines. A deposit's depth and geological characteristics are two key factors in deciding the type of mine. Once the mine is designed, removing ore from the ground begins.

Current Mining Projects: McClean Lake, McArthur River

Milling

After ore has been mined, it goes through a milling process. Through mechanical and chemical processes, the ore is converted into a uranium concentrate called yellowcake, which then continues to the next step of the nuclear fuel cycle.

Current Milling Projects: McClean Lake, Key Lake

Decommissioning

Once the uranium has been removed from a mine, the site is reclaimed. Open pits are covered and underground mines are filled, trees are planted, and environmental monitoring continues for years. Mine sites need to be totally decommissioned and brought back to a position where the land can be used again for traditional uses.

Current Decommissioning Projects: Cluff Lake