Orano Canada and Denison Announce SABRE 1st Production at McClean Lake

Core Viewpoint - Orano Canada Inc. and Denison Mines Corp. have successfully commenced uranium mining operations at the McClean Lake Joint Venture using the innovative SABRE mining method, marking a significant milestone in the uranium industry [1][3]. Company Overview - Orano Canada holds a 77.5% interest in the McClean Lake Joint Venture and is the operator, while Denison Mines owns a 22.5% interest [1]. - Orano Canada processed 16.9 million pounds of uranium concentrate in 2024 and has over 60 years of experience in uranium exploration, mining, and milling in Canada [9]. - Denison Mines focuses on uranium mining, development, and exploration, with a 95% interest in the Wheeler River Uranium Project, the largest undeveloped uranium project in the Athabasca Basin [11]. SABRE Mining Method - The SABRE method, developed between 2004 and 2021, is a non-entry, surface-based mining technique that utilizes high-pressure water jets to excavate ore, allowing access to high-grade orebodies that are economically challenging to mine using conventional methods [4][5]. - Approximately 250 tonnes of high-grade ore (over 10% U3O8) have been recovered from the first mining cavity, with plans to process this ore at the McClean Lake mill [2][3]. - The SABRE method is designed to be selective and scalable, providing flexibility in production and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional mining methods [5]. Industry Impact - The commencement of SABRE mining at McClean North represents the first active mining operations in the MLJV since 2008, highlighting a return to production in the uranium sector [3]. - The innovation in mining techniques supports the industry's commitment to providing a reliable supply of natural uranium for nuclear power producers, contributing to low-carbon electricity generation [3].