Cigar Lake

Cigar Lake ore processing
  • Cigar Lake is the world's highest grade uranium mine and is located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada.
  • Since commissioning in 2014, the site has produced a total of 174.5 million pounds (100% basis).  Commercial operation began in May 2015.
  • As the operator, Cameco developed an innovative jet-boring technique specifically for this challenging deposit.
  • Cigar Lake's ore is processed 70 km northeast, at the McClean Lake mill, operated by Orano.

Operation

(As of December 31, 2025)
Cameco ownership 54.5%
1648 people employed (including contractors)

Production

(As of December 31, 2025)
16.33% U308 Average Grade
94.1 million pounds of U3O8 in proven and probable reserves
Licenced to 2031
Annual production trend (Cameco's share)

2026 Q2 Update

Production

Cigar Lake Production 
Cameco's Share (million lbs)

Three months 
ended June 30		 Six months 
ended June 30		  
20262025Change20262025Change2026 Plan  
1.62.8(43)%4.35.5(22)%9.5 to 10.0  

 

Total packaged production from Cigar Lake was 2.9 million pounds (1.6 million pounds our share) in the second quarter of 2026 compared to 5.1 million pounds (2.8 million pounds our share) in the second quarter of 2025. In the first six months of the year, total packaged production from Cigar Lake was 7.9 million pounds (4.3 million pounds our share) compared to 10.1 million pounds (5.5 million pounds our share) in the first six months of 2025. The lower packaged production in 2026 was due to the timing of the annual maintenance outage, which occurred in the second quarter, compared to the third quarter in 2025. 

Subsequent to the quarter, Cigar Lake temporarily suspended production activities for two weeks due to operational challenges at Orano’s McClean Lake mill. The mine’s 2026 production outlook remains unchanged and we continue to expect production between 17.5 million to 18.0 million pounds of U3O8 (9.5 million to 10.0 million pounds our share) in 2026. 

Maintenance Shutdown

The annual maintenance outage at Cigar Lake began in the second quarter of 2026, compared to the third quarter in previous years. 

See full Quarterly Report

Environment & Safety

Worker safety, protection of the environment and proper decommissioning after mining is completed, are of the utmost importance to Cameco.

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Reserves & Resources

Our mineral reserves and resources are the foundation of our company and fundamental to our success.

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The Cigar Lake head frames are different heights. Shaft 1 is about 40 metres and shaft 2 is about 35 metres above ground.

The Cigar Lake head frames are different heights. Shaft 1 is about 40 metres and shaft 2 is about 35 metres above ground.

Cigar Lake’s ore is hauled by truck for processing at Orano's McClean Lake mill.

Cigar Lake’s ore is hauled by truck for processing at Orano's McClean Lake mill.

Mining at Cigar Lake takes place 480 meters below surface.

Mining at Cigar Lake takes place 480 meters below surface.

As the operator, Cameco developed an innovative jet-boring technique, specifically for this challenging deposit.

As the operator, Cameco developed an innovative jet-boring technique, specifically for this challenging deposit.

Routine water sampling is part of a rigorous environmental monitoring program in place at each operation.

Routine water sampling is part of a rigorous environmental monitoring program in place at each operation.

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Caution about Forward-Looking Information   
This page may contain forward-looking information that is based upon the assumptions and subject to the material risks discussed on page 2 of Cameco's most recent Quarterly MD&A.

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