Northern Ore Haul Route Proposal Still In Play

Northern Ore Haul Route Proposal Still In Play

Monday, December 06, 2010 at 14:46

AREVA says a proposal to haul uranium ore by several northern communities is still alive — even though the province is moving ahead with a potential alternative route.

Saskatchewan Highways is proposing to construct an all-weather road between the existing access roads to the McArthur River and the Cigar Lake mine sites.

AREVA would like to transport some of the ore from McArthur River to the McClean Lake processing mill for three years.

The company would like to begin transportation in mid-2012 in order to get the McClean Lake mill operational in time for the arrival of the high-grade ore expected from the Cigar Lake mine in 2013.

AREVA spokesman Alun Richards notes there is no guarantee the new road will be approved or available by the time the company wants to start moving the ore.

However, Ricahrds says the company can always change its delivery route later on.

He expects a final decision on the proposed ore haul route to be handed down by late next year.