Environment & Safety
Safety
We manage the safety of our workers through programs, systems, and standards, with our Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Policy providing overarching guidance. There are many aspects of the management system that contribute to a safe work environment, a few examples include:
- Risk assessments help identify issues and determine the appropriate controls; the corrective action process verifies that incidents and near misses are reported, tracked, investigated and shared with colleagues; and emergency preparedness and planning prepare us to respond to serious incidents.
- We have developed 12 corporate safety standards to help protect our workers from our most common hazards. Some standards guide our general safety practices, such as our job hazard analysis and our job task observation, and other standards deal with specific hazardous situations (similar to other companies’ life saving rules): such as fall protection, confined space entry, rigging and hoisting, and control of hazardous energy (also referred to as lockout/tagout).
- Routine audits are conducted to monitor compliance with regulations and our own requirements. These and other aspects of the management system are routinely examined to verify that they continue to be effective at keeping our workers safe.
Radiation Protection
Radiation risks are effectively managed at Rabbit Lake through a formal radiation protection program and dedicated personnel who ensure that doses to workers are as low as reasonably achievable. The program ensures that radiation protection is considered in the physical design of all facilities and operating procedures. It also provides for systematic monitoring of radiation in work areas and tracking the exposures of individual workers using a combination of monitoring devices and health testing. Radiation exposures at Rabbit Lake are far below the regulated limits.
Environmental Protection
At Cameco, protection of the environment is one of our highest corporate priorities during all stages of our activities, from exploration through development, operations, decommissioning, and reclamation.
We monitor our performance by tracking corporate and site-specific key performance indicators, conducting environmental monitoring programs, and regularly auditing our adherence to the requirements of these programs We use the information from all of our programs to help us to identify opportunities to improve.
Environmental management system
We have a ISO 14001-certified environmental management system used across our operating sites, which is supported by a corporate Environmental Management Program that outlines the operating requirements sites must meet. Our environmental management system encourages and promotes continuous adaptation of our practices based on new information and technologies.
Environmental risk assessments
We complete environmental risk assessments to systematically identify, quantify, and to characterize the potential risks to the environment, workers, and the public. We use our environmental risk assessments to inform our decisions and actions. Additionally, we complete an iterative process, where required, to verify that our proposed measures to protect the environment and the public are effective. We review or update the assessments every five years, incorporating results from our environmental monitoring programs and other scientific advances.
Environmental performance reports
For our Saskatchewan operations, every five years we also compare monitoring data collected during the reporting period against predictions contained in approved environmental risk assessments or environmental assessments. By reviewing the data from the performance reports and conducting risks assessments, we are able to demonstrate that human health and the environment in the vicinity of our Saskatchewan operations remains protected. Results from these analyses are also used to inform changes to the environmental monitoring programs conducted at each operation.
Corrective action process
We have a corrective action process in place to systematically investigate and address the causes of non-conformance to regulatory requirements or internal standards. The process includes classifying the non-conformance, assigning the appropriate level of investigation (dependent on incident significance), and tracking the recommended corrective actions to prevent and mitigate similar occurrences.
Audits
To support our culture of continuous improvement, our processes and operations undergo regular audits, including:
- Our environmental management system is audited by a third-party every three years as a requirement to maintain our ISO 14001 certification.
- Our SHEQ team conducts an internal audit of our SHEQ programs on a three-year cycle. The total audit scope is split in half and executed on a rotating basis. This means that all our sites undergo at least two audits to cover all aspects of our SHEQ programs within every three-year period. The audit follows the ISO 19001 process and encompasses our environmental and safety programs.
- We also maintain and implement an internal audit program at our corporate office. Results and recommendations from this systematic and documented process are presented to senior management, who are responsible for implementing them and correcting any deficiencies. The internal audit group reports to the audit and finance committee of the board.
Environmental Monitoring
Comprehensive monitoring programs are in place at the Rabbit Lake operation to help protect the surrounding environment. Samples of water, air, soil, plants and fish are collected from numerous locations around the site and tested to confirm that environmental protection systems are effective. Monitoring results are submitted to federal and provincial regulatory authorities for review. Cameco also supports independent regional monitoring downstream of its Saskatchewan operations to ensure there are no cumulative effects on the regional watershed. The extensive monitoring undertaken at Rabbit Lake has identified no significant impact on the surrounding environment.
Rabbit Lake entered into a safe state of Care and Maintenance in early 2016.
Environmental Incidents and Other Events
Environmental incidents and other events are reported to regulatory agencies as required by federal and provincial regulations.
Latest incident or event:
| Date | Sept. 25, 2024 |
| Incident | Reportable Discharge |
| Details | While conducting vegetation and sediment clearing around the perimeter of the high-density polyethylene-lined mine water pond, workers were removing material from above the water line by pulling with a cable to avoid damaging the liner. The vegetation and sediment were strongly affixed to the underlying liner and at one point the liner lifted, causing a welded seam to separate at the pond surface, below the location of the work. As a result, mine water had the potential to exit the pond. As the pond is installed below the water table, and water is normally present below the liner, the release of mine water or potential volumes could not be immediately determined. |
| Corrective Action | Measures were undertaken to further lower the pond to a level below the separated seam. As part of the work being undertaken, pond liner inspections and repairs are already scheduled for next week following the removal of vegetation and sediment. The pond level will be maintained at the lower levels until the liner repairs are completed. |
| Environmental Effect | not applicable N/A |
- Past Reporting
Date Sept. 25, 2024 Incident Reportable Discharge Details While conducting vegetation and sediment clearing around the perimeter of the high-density polyethylene-lined mine water pond, workers were removing material from above the water line by pulling with a cable to avoid damaging the liner. The vegetation and sediment were strongly affixed to the underlying liner and at one point the liner lifted, causing a welded seam to separate at the pond surface, below the location of the work. As a result, mine water had the potential to exit the pond. As the pond is installed below the water table, and water is normally present below the liner, the release of mine water or potential volumes could not be immediately determined. Corrective Action Measures were undertaken to further lower the pond to a level below the separated seam. As part of the work being undertaken, pond liner inspections and repairs are already scheduled for next week following the removal of vegetation and sediment. The pond level will be maintained at the lower levels until the liner repairs are completed. Environmental Effect not applicable N/A Date October 27, 2023 Incident Event Requiring Reporting to the Duty Officer – Order Under the Nuclear Safety Control Act Details During an emergency preparedness and response focused inspection, CNSC inspectors identified personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighting that was past the 10-year expiration date. Corrective Action CNSC issued an Order, which Cameco is working to address. Cameco has suspended activities that may pose increased fire hazard risk until an adequate number of PPE has been restored. Rabbit Lake reached out to other northern operations and obtained a sufficient amount of firefighting PPE and an active order of new PPE has been expedited. The CNSC Duty Officer was notified and an investigation is underway. Environmental Effect not applicable N/A Date November 4, 2022 Incident Emergency transport to external medical facilities Details An employee in the mill dry suffered a non-occupational medical emergency. Corrective Action Coworkers provided initial response and the Emergency Response Team was dispatched. The employee was moved to the health center and stabilized. Air ambulance transported the employee off-site for further medical care. The CNSC Duty Officer was notified. Environmental Effect not applicable N/A Date August 25, 2021 Incident Reportable release Details At approximately 9:45 a.m., a propane release was discovered from the supply line to the Eagle Point sand dryer. Approximately 583 kg of propane gas was released to the atmosphere. Corrective Action The emergency response team (ERT) responded in accordance with emergency procedures, secured the area, restricted access and stopped the flow of propane at the tank. The cause of the release was found to be a failed pressure gauge, which has been replaced. Provincial and federal regulators were notified. Environmental Effect no measurable impact to the environment 1 Date July 9, 2021 Incident Fire Situation Details Following several days of hot dry temperatures, smoke was again observed in the late morning of July 9th in an area 5 km west of Rabbit Lake where a previous lightning strike had occurred. By early afternoon the fire had expanded and was observed moving in a westerly direction with moderate winds blowing from the northwest. Corrective Action Following observation of smoke, communications were established with Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and two water bombers were dispatched on the afternoon of July 9th. As a precautionary measure, Cameco placed sprinklers at the Effluent Treatment area for protection of critical infrastructure. Given the confirmed proximity of the location to Highway 905, both Cigar Lake and McClean Lake operations were notified. The Operation continues to monitor the situation closely. Environmental Effect negligible impact 2 Date July 8, 2021 Incident Fire Situation Details On July 8th, at approximately 9:00 pm, a lightning strike occurred in a forested area approximately 1.5 km south of the Eagle Point Mine and 400 m east of the haul road at Rabbit Lake. The lightning strike was followed by a small but observable plume of smoke, suggesting the possible ignition of a wildland fire. Corrective Action The Rabbit Lake Emergency Response Team was deployed to assess the situation, to conduct initial response, and to provide overnight observation. On the morning of July 9th, the Provincial Wildfire Branch in Stony Rapids was contacted and a four-person firefighting crew was dropped near the location and assisted the ERT with response. The provincial fire crew took over response as of 11:00 am. The fire situation is not currently posing a direct threat to the site but given the location and proximity to critical infrastructure, the Operation is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to evaluate threat level and response options. Environmental Effect negligible impact 2 Date May 29, 2021 Incident Reportable release Details On May 28th, during the annual start-up of the AGTMF pond (barge) pumping system, Mill Operations and Maintenance personnel noted the downstream flow meter was indicating a lower than expected flow and undertook an investigation which then identified a separation in the barge pipeline at one of the weld points. The line separation occurred within the Effluent Treatment (ET) line ditch approximately 112 m upgradient of ET Pond #1. An estimated 2.75 m3 of melt water from the AGTMF was released to the ditch as a result of this event. Corrective Action Barge pumping was immediately halted and an earthen berm was placed downgradient of the release point to prevent released water from entering directly into ET Pond #1. A vacuum truck was used to collect any water collected at this berm and at low points along the runoff path within the ET pipeline ditch. Spill socks were also deployed to recover water which had drained further downgradient of this berm, adjacent to ET Pond #1, and inaccessible to heavy equipment. Follow-up sampling was conducted to further inform reporting and mitigation measures. The event was reported to the Provincial Spill Control Line and CNSC Duty Officer. Environmental Effect negligible impact 2 Date May 26, 2021 Incident Reportable release Details During daily inspection rounds, it was noted that due to a cracked valve, a metal tote containing engine oil leaked to the ground at the Mill Pad 3 Laydown area. The 1200L of engine oil is over the reportable discharge limit (500L) and is therefore classified as a reportable discharge area. Corrective Action An earthen berm was placed to prevent any further migration of the released material. A vac truck was utilized to clean up any areas where any remaining oil was visible. Provincial and federal regulators were notified. notified. Environmental Effect negligible impact 2 Date May 11, 2021 Incident Reportable release Details Meltwater was released from the south-east perimeter berm of the B-Zone ore pad onto the adjacent roadway and area. A culvert, located in the perimeter ditch, was blocked by ice, impeding drainage to the downgradient collection sump and resulted in overflow to the surrounding area. Corrective Action A portion of the berm was rebuilt, water was removed from the perimeter road ditch and pumping was established to transfer water past the frozen culvert. Samples were collected for testing and reporting and additional inspections will be conducted for the remainder of the thaw period. Provincial and federal regulators were notified. Environmental Effect no measurable impact to the environment 1 Cameco Environmental Effect Rating
- Level 1 - no measurable impact to the environment
- Level 2 - negligible impact
- Level 3 - short-term, seasonal impact
- Level 4 - mortality of some species, but not affecting ecosystem function
- Level 5 - impairment of ecosystem function
- N/A - not applicable
Tailings Management
Tailings, or what remains of the ore after the uranium has been removed at the Rabbit Lake mill, is placed in the Rabbit Lake in-pit tailings management facility (RLITMF). The facility is built into the mined out Rabbit Lake pit and is designed to safely contain the tailings during continuing operations and after decommissioning. When operations cease, the tailings will become a dense mass and groundwater will flow through a previous envelope surrounding the tailings, rather than through them, to minimize environmental impact. Tailings from milling the original Rabbit Lake ore body are stored in an above-ground tailings management facility.
Decommissioning
Rabbit Lake has been in production since 1975. Five ore bodies have been mined on the site using open pit and underground methods. Inactive mining areas are reclaimed as part of continuing operations at Rabbit Lake under a site-wide reclamation plan. Detailed plans and financial guarantees are in place to provide for final decommissioning of the Rabbit Lake site when operations end. Decommissioning will include removal of all buildings and equipment and landscaping and re-vegetation of affected areas. All underground workings and other mine and mill facilities will be sealed off and secured. A monitoring program will be in place to ensure the sites remain in a secure and stable state for the long-term. For more information, see Preliminary Decommissioning Plan - Summary - Rabbit Lake Operation.
Environmental Risk Assessment
All new, or substantially changed, mining developments may be subject to environmental risk assessments (ERAs) to identify potential effects on the environment. ERAs follow guidance provided by CSA and various agencies, such as Health Canada (HC), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
In 2020, Cameco completed a detailed quantitative environmental risk assessment (ERA) for its Rabbit Lake Operation to align with the standardized requirements found in CSA N288.6-12 Environmental risk assessment at Class I nuclear facilities and uranium mines and mills (CSA 2012). For parts of the site where there have not been many changes, a review of the most recent ERA was completed, in compliance with N288.6-12.
Public Summary - Environmental Risk Assessment - Rabbit Lake Operation (PDF 3.3 MB)
Regulatory Oversight
The primary regulator for the Rabbit Lake operation is the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The mine is also subject to regulatory oversight from several other federal and provincial agencies including Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Federal and provincial regulators conduct regular site inspections and audits to verify that people and the environment are protected. Uranium mining and milling operations in Canada are licensed by the CNSC.
Sustainability at Cameco
When measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of a company, environmental, social and governance (ESG) are key factors considered by the public and investors. Sustainability and ESG matters have been an important focus at Cameco for many years and we have a strong performance record.