Orano Canada operates on the full range of mining activities, from exploration to decommissioning, mining and treatment. The Canadian subsidiary is a shareholder in the Mc Arthur River and Cigar Lake mines, operated by Cameco, and runs the McClean Lake
processing plant. It has also successfully completed the first uranium mine redevelopment after the uranium reserves at the Cluff Lake site were depleted.
Innovative methods
Underground mines and very high uranium grades that require specific technologies.
High-performance mining technologies
Jet Boring in Cigar Lake
Because it is located 450 metres below ground and has very high-grade uranium, the deposit requires the use of techniques that strengthen the ground and control upwelling. The method consists of hardening the soil by a freezing
process before starting the extraction phase, then mining the ore using a high-pressure water jet (Jet Boring).
SABRE TECHNOLOGY: AN INNOVATIVE MINING METHOD
The first commercial production by SABRE mining of the McClean Lake North high-grade uranium (+10% U3O8) deposit began in 2025.This new patented extraction method, under development over the last decade by Orano engineers, uses high-pressure water jet drilling operating from the surface. It opens up new prospects for uranium extraction, particularly in Canada, making small, high-grade deposits in the Athabasca Basin economically viable.
SABRE offers a number of advantages in terms of economy, safety and the environment, thanks to its small surface footprint and reduced water and electricity consumption.
* Orano Canada, the operator of the future mine, holds 77.5% of the joint venture, and Denison holds 22.5%.
This new patented extraction method, under development over the last decade by Orano engineers, uses highpressure water jet drilling operating from the surface. It opens up new prospects for uranium extraction, particularly in Canada, making small,
high-grade deposits in the Athabasca Basin economically viable.
SABRE offers a number of advantages in terms of economy, safety and the environment, thanks to its small surface footprint and reduced water and electricity consumption.
* Orano Canada, the operator of the future mine, holds 77.5% of the joint venture, and Denison holds 22.5%.
SABRE offers a number of advantages in terms of economy, safety and the environment, thanks to its small surface footprint and reduced water and electricity consumption.
* Orano Canada, the operator of the future mine, holds 77.5% of the joint venture, and Denison holds 22.5%.