Proposed increase in production at the Blind River Refinery

Environment assessment (EA) start date: July 4, 2005
Type: Screening
CEAR reference number: 05-01-12540
Proponent: Cameco Corporation
Location: Blind River, Ontario

Latest update

• December 10, 2008 – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announces decision on EA screening report for the proposed increase of the annual production capacity at the Blind River Refinery
• April 21, 2008 – Request for public comment – Draft screening report
• October 14, 2005 – Request for public comment – Draft EA guidelines – Comment period closed
• August 25, 2005 – Request for public comment – Draft EA guidelines

Project description

The CNSC has received notice from Cameco Corporation (Cameco) seeking an amendment to an existing licence to authorize an increase in the production capacity of the Blind River Refinery. The Blind River Refinery is currently licensed with a fuel facility operating licence.

This project involves a proposed increase to the annual licensed production capacity of the Blind River Refinery from 18,000 tonnes uranium as uranium trioxide (UO₃) to 24,000 tonnes uranium as UO₃. The proposed increase in annual production would be achieved by making minor process modifications to the current circuits.

Before a decision is made on Cameco's proposal, an EA must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and to determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

Further information

CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, contact the CNSC.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment, and to implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.