AREVA Resources has applied to Ottawa for a change in its operating licence at the McClean Lake uranium mill.
The company says it wants to expand the capacity of its milling operation, among other things.
The proposed changes include the operation of the ore slurry receiving circuit and high grade ore processing circuits at its JEB mill; an increase in the annual uranium concentrate production rate; and the receipt and processing of uranium ore slurry from the McArthur River mine.
AREVA spokesman Jarret Adams says they talked to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission about the changes last week, and are hopeful of getting the go-ahead before the year is out:
“So, it’s a regulatory matter. It’s a step forward. It’s all part of the process.”
Among other things, the changes will increase the mill’s production limit and allow it to potentially process ore from the McArthur River mine.
He adds they’re not aware of any major concerns at this point:
“No, apparently we have not heard of many concerns. Obviously, we are always open to hearing feedback from people in the community — and if people do have concerns, we are open to that feedback.”