The surge in uranium mining: Here's what to know

Summary

The transcript details an exclusive look at Cameco's Cigar Lake uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan, where a cutting-edge jet boring system (JBS) is used to access the world’s highest-grade uranium deposits. The system was developed to mitigate safety concerns around radiation exposure, as the ore is 100 times more concentrated than typical deposits. The report highlights the growing global demand for uranium driven by nuclear energy, decarbonization, and energy security, raising concerns about potential supply shortages in the future. Pippa Stevens provides insights into the innovative technology and safety measures, making this operation one of the most significant in the global energy landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Cigar Lake mine in northern Saskatchewan supplies 11% of the global annual uranium demand.
• 😀 The mine uses a unique Jet Boring System (JBS) developed specifically for the Cigar Lake site.
• 😀 The JBS system is used because the sandstone above the uranium ore is unstable and cannot be accessed from above.
• 😀 The uranium deposit at Cigar Lake is the highest-grade deposit in the world, requiring specialized drilling technology for safety.
• 😀 The JBS system drills into the ground, extracting uranium-rich ore through pipes that send slurry down for processing.
• 😀 It took about a decade to get the Cigar Lake mine up and running from construction to first production.
• 😀 The renewed interest in nuclear energy, driven by decarbonization, electrification, and energy security, is fueling a rise in demand for uranium.
• 😀 Major tech companies, such as hyperscalers, are now seeking clean energy sources like nuclear power.
• 😀 Despite the high radiation levels in the area, workers at the mine are kept safe by specialized equipment, including radiation monitoring sensors.
• 😀 The radiation levels around the mine are similar to background radiation, with the highest reading being 0.66 microSieverts, which is safe for workers.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Cameco Cigar Lake mine in the global uranium market?

The Cameco Cigar Lake mine supplies about 11% of the world’s annual uranium, making it one of the largest and most important uranium sources globally.

Why is a specialized drilling system, the Jet Boring System (JBS), used at Cigar Lake?

The Jet Boring System (JBS) is used because the sandstone above the uranium-rich ore is unstable, and traditional drilling methods are not safe or feasible. JBS allows access to the ore from below, minimizing risk.

What makes Cigar Lake’s uranium deposit unique?

Cigar Lake has one of the highest-grade uranium deposits in the world, with a concentration of 17%, about 100 times higher than average uranium deposits.

What is the role of the orange drill and the pipes seen in the mine?

The orange drill is part of the Jet Boring System, which drills into the ground to access the uranium-rich ore. The pipes inserted afterward bring the slurry back down for processing.

How long did it take for the Cigar Lake mine to become fully operational?

It took about a decade from the start of construction to the first production at the Cigar Lake mine.

What are the main factors driving the increased demand for uranium?

The increased demand for uranium is driven by factors such as decarbonization efforts, electrification, energy security, and the growing interest in nuclear energy as a clean energy source.

How does the company ensure the safety of workers from radiation exposure at Cigar Lake?

Workers at Cigar Lake are kept safe by using advanced technologies like the Jet Boring System and by wearing radiation sensors that monitor exposure levels. Radiation levels at the mine are kept within safe limits, similar to normal background radiation.

What is the radiation reading Pippa Stevens recorded while at the mine?

Pippa Stevens recorded a radiation reading of 0.66 microsieverts, which is equivalent to the background radiation people are exposed to in their daily lives.

Why is Cigar Lake’s uranium deposit considered high-risk in terms of radiation exposure?

The uranium deposit at Cigar Lake is highly concentrated, with uranium levels 100 times greater than average deposits, which makes the radiation risk much higher. This necessitates specialized equipment and protocols to protect workers.

What concerns are being raised about future uranium supply and demand?

Experts are concerned that the growing interest in nuclear energy and other clean electricity demands could lead to supply shortages, as the demand for uranium may soon outstrip available supply.