Commission amends Orano Canada Inc.’s uranium mine and mill licence for the McClean Lake Operation authorizing expansion of the JEB tailings management facility

January 17, 2022 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to amend the uranium mine and mill licence held by Orano Canada Inc. (Orano) for its McClean Lake Operation (MLO). This decision follows a public hearing held virtually on October 4, 2021. The licence amendment allows Orano to expand the JEB tailings management facility (TMF) at the MLO.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from Orano and 6 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff recommendations. The CNSC made participant funding available through its Participant Funding Program, and invited interventions from Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public and stakeholders. Three requesters received participant funding to assist with their interventions.

After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that Orano is qualified to carry out the expansion of the JEB TMF that the amended licence will authorize. It also concluded that Orano will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, and the health and safety of persons.

The record of decision is available on request to the Commission Registry at interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca. The decision will also be posted in both official languages at nuclearsafety.gc.ca at a later date. All submissions, hearing transcripts and the hearing webcast are available on the CNSC website.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public. The Commission is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal set up at arm’s length from government, independent from any political, government or private sector influence.

Timeline

• Orano applied for a licence amendment in June 2020.
• The CNSC made funding available in February 2021 through the Participant Funding Program to support Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public and stakeholders in presenting their views to the Commission.
• The Commission held a virtual public hearing on October 4, 2021 (hearing transcripts and webcast are available online or on request).
• The amended licence is valid until June 30, 2027.