Rabbit Lake mine

Rabbit Lake is the second largest uranium milling facility in the western world, and is the longest operating uranium production facility in Saskatchewan. The facility is located approximately 800 km north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on the northeast edge of the uranium rich Athabasca Basin. The closest community is Wollaston Lake, about 40 kilometers by lake or air. Rabbit Lake was the first Canadian mine to offer a seven-days-in/seven-days-out commuter system of staffing.

Operations

The Rabbit Lake deposit was discovered in 1968 and production started in 1975 using open-pit mining methods. The Rabbit Lake pit was mined out in 1984. Exploration resulted in the discovery of additional deposits in the area.

The Eagle Point deposit is being mined using underground mining methods. Significant recent drilling results have extended mine life to 2011.

As of December 31, 2007, proven and probable reserves are 644,800 tonnes at 1.14% U₃O₈. (16.2 Million pounds)

When the Cigar Lake Mine begins production, the Rabbit Lake mill will process about half of the ore from that mine.

Awards

In 1989, and again in 2001, the Rabbit Lake mine was awarded the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's John T. Ryan Trophy for the best safety record for metal mines in Canada for that year.

Ownership

100% owned and operated by Cameco Corporation.

See also

* Uranium ore deposits
* Uranium mining

References

[http://www.cameco.com/operations/uranium/rabbit_lake Cameco - Rabbit Lake Operation]