Uranium Mines and Mills

Uranium mines and mills represent the first stage of Canada’s nuclear fuel cycle. Uranium ore is extracted from underground or open-pit mines and processed at a milling facility to produce uranium concentrate (commonly known as “yellowcake”).

Canada is one of the world’s leading uranium producers, with mining operations primarily located in Saskatchewan.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) licenses and regulates all uranium mines and mills in Canada.  For host communities, it is important to know that uranium mining and milling activities can require environmental assessment and licensing processes that include environmental protection.  This could also include, ongoing environmental monitoring, water management, transportation of materials, workforce accommodation, land-use considerations, and long-term site reclamation planning.