Cameco Technology and Innovation (CTI)
Innovation doesn't happen by accident. The dedicated scientists, engineers and technologists in our technology and innovation teams actively support projects and ongoing work across Cameco by finding practical solutions to challenging technical problems.
With a focus on technological leadership and identifying future needs, the expertise of our CTI teams keeps us ahead of the curve. They work to improve our technology and make our operations more efficient, cost-effective and profitable, while reducing our environmental footprint.
In the last five years alone, CTI has contributed to projects valued at more than $200 million, including the development of a quarantined fuel bundle release, removal of selenium from water at Smith Ranch-Highland, and technical due diligence assessments of new production opportunities and alternative sources of uranium.
Cameco's CTI group includes 80 people working in five separate teams at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Port Hope, Ontario. The team includes:
Alpha nuclear
Our Alpha Nuclear team manufactures instruments to detect and measure radon gas and radon progeny. These instruments are used worldwide in applications ranging from health physics to earthquake prediction. But their primary focus is developing, producing, and calibrating the monitors and personal alpha dosimeters that protect the people who work in our high-grade uranium mines and nuclear facilities.
Alpha Nuclear also manufactures radiological probes and truck-bucket scanners, and repairs and maintains logging equipment, sampling pumps, and other third-party equipment used by our exploration teams and minesites.
Conversion and fuel
Our conversion and fuel team brings expertise in chemical engineering, uranium processing, and refining, conversion and fuel manufacturing plant design. They assist with corporate development projects and help our fuel services division trouble shoot and continuously improve.
Mining, metallurgy and geo-environmental engineering
Our engineering team provides scientific, engineering and technical expertise in diverse areas, including hydrogeology, ground freezing, reclamation and remediation, and tailings management. Their capabilities include research, technology assessments, trouble shooting and engineering development and design.
Research centre
Our research group provides R&D support and technical resources that help our operations solve problems, develop products and improve the way we work. Their portfolio of projects supports all of Cameco's operations – from exploration to fuel manufacturing.
Science integration
Our science integration team includes a principal scientist, a chief chemist and ideas co-ordination specialists. They focus on the scientific aspects of Cameco's business activities, including managing our scientific research and experimental development claims, and promoting and maintaining Cameco's ideas database.
In addition to their diverse contributions to ongoing operations, engineering and technology improvements and research and development, the CTI group supports continuous development of Cameco's workforce by partnering with universities, speaking at conferences and offering co-op and apprenticeship opportunities.