CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Key Lake Uranium Mill and McArthur River Mine Production Increase

04-18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2004

Following a public hearing held on September 15, 2004, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its approval of the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (Scope of Project and Assessment) for the Proposed Key Lake Uranium Mill and McArthur River Mine Production Increase for Cameco Corporation (Cameco).

The Commission is satisfied at this time that the project does not warrant a request to the federal Minister of the Environment for referral to a mediator or a review panel.

Cameco has applied to the CNSC for permission to increase production at its Key Lake Uranium Mill and McArthur River Uranium Mine facilities. Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, CNSC staff will complete a screening environmental assessment of the project and present a Screening Report at a public hearing of the Commission at a later date. If the Commission concludes from the Screening Report that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the appropriate mitigation measures, the Commission may proceed with a public hearing and decision on the licence application.

During the public hearing on the draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines, the Commission considered written submissions and oral presentations from Cameco, CNSC staff and intervenors.

A Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision and transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC web-site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.The Environmental Assessment Guidelines are also available through the CNSC web-site.

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Contact:
Marc Leblanc
Commission Secretary
(613) 995-6506
1-800-668-5284