Orano Canada Inc and Denison Mines Corp, as joint-venture partners in the McClean Lake Joint Venture (MLJV), have announced the successful start of uranium mining operations using the joint venture’s patented Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction (SABRE) mining method.
SABRE mining of the McClean North uranium deposit commenced in June with approximately 250 t of high-grade ore (+10% U3O8) estimated to have been recovered from the first mining cavity, the companies reported. Orano Canada also reports that it has successfully backfilled the first cavity, advanced the SABRE rig to the planned second mining cavity, and commenced processing of the recovered ore at the McClean Lake mill.
SABRE is the culmination of a mining equipment invention and development initiative that began in 2004 and concluded in 2021 with the completion of multi-year mining test program that successfully excavated approximately 1,500 t of high-value ore, Orano Canada says. It is a non-entry, surface-based mining method that uses a high-pressure water jet placed at the bottom of a drill hole to excavate a mining cavity. The cuttings from the excavation process are then air lifted to surface, separated, and stockpiled.
SABRE is, Orano Canada says, viewed as an innovative mining method that has the potential to allow for access to relatively small high-grade orebodies in the Athabasca Basin that are either too small or too deep to be mined economically by conventional open-pit and/or underground mining methods.
The mining method can be selective and scalable, which has the potential to provide superior flexibility when compared with conventional mining methods and is thus ideally suited to ever changing uranium market conditions – with an expected production ramp up of months instead of years.
The SABRE method also has environmental advantages when compared with conventional open-pit or underground mining methods as a result of its less intrusive nature and smaller surface footprint. Reduced water usage and power consumption also contribute to important reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improved sustainability. Additionally, as a non-entry mining method, radiological exposure for mine workers is minimised.
Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, President of Orano Mining, said: “The first commercial production of uranium with the SABRE technique marks a new chapter, allowing us to access and explore new territories. This innovation reinforces our commitment to delivering a reliable and responsible supply of natural uranium to nuclear power producers worldwide, supporting the generation of low-carbon electricity.”
Jim Corman, Orano Canada’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our long-term investment in R&D within Orano and the MLJV has culminated in the safe mining, milling and packaging of ore that in the past would have been deemed economically challenging to develop. We are pleased to be actively mining again at McClean Lake and I am so proud of the employees, contractors and partners, who have cohesively brought this mining method and project to life. It truly is an innovative and exciting time to be in the uranium industry.”
David Cates, Denison’s President and Chief Executive Officer, added: “The successful commencement of SABRE mining at McClean North marks a significant milestone in the history of the MLJV, as the joint venture returns to active mining operations for the first time since 2008. Orano Canada is a world-class operator that has consistently demonstrated excellence in operation and innovation in Saskatchewan. We congratulate Orano on its leadership, long-term vision, and dedication to the development of the MLJV’s SABRE mining method and ultimately the commercialisation of the technology through the deployment at McClean North.”
Orano Canada owns a 77.5% interest and is the operator of the MLJV and Denison owns a 22.5% interest.