A spokesman for AREVA Resources says the company is pleased with a recent legal ruling concerning the McClean Lake uranium mine.
On Monday, the Federal Court of Appeal dismissed a case brought against AREVA and the government.
The Athabasca Territorial Government, which is composed of seven communities in the province’s far north, had argued it wasn’t properly consulted about a licence that was granted to the McClean Lake mine a few years ago.
However, the court ruled otherwise.
The court apparently determined that, based on the evidence before the commission, there was no duty to consult — and the mere speculation that harm would arise from the licensing decision would not be enough to trigger it.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission says the decision supports its approach to Aboriginal consultation.
AREVA spokesman Jarret Adams says they know the legal battle may not be over, but they want to move on:
“They do have the right to appeal this decision and we respect that. For our part, we would like to focus on how we can work together and move forward from here.”
Adams adds the past few years have been difficult for AREVA with the flooding at the Cigar Lake mine and other obstacles, but they are looking for new opportunities to renew their partnerships with the communities.