How will AREVA be shipping uranium (yellowcake) out of the site?
Although we are still in the early stages of the Environmental Assessment review process and all plans have not been finalized yet, AREVA proposes to transport the uranium concentrate also known as “yellowcake” out the Kiggavik mine site to existing southern transportation networks by airplane using the airstrip that will be constructed at the site. As part of the Environmental Assessment, we are evaluating the potential effects in the unlikely event of a transportation accident. Please note that in the original Project Proposal we also considered transporting yellowcake from Kiggavik by truck and barge, however after further investigation, this is not our preferred method of transportation. We hope this answers your question but don’t hesitate to contact us again if you would like further explanations.
Is yellowcake transported by air from any other Canadian uranium mine sites?
Uranium concentrate or yellowcake is not transported by air today in Canada. The operating mills have road access. Yellowcake was transported by air in Canada in the past however. The last time was in the early 1980′s from Uranium City in northern Saskatchewan.
Other radioactive substances are routinely transported by air in Canada as dangerous goods. The transport of nuclear substances in Canada is jointly regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)and Transport Canada. You can find out more about the packaging and transport of nuclear substances on the CNSC website at:
http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/pdfs/Fact_Sheets/Regulating_the_Packaging_and_Transport_of_Nuclear_Substances_in_Canada_October_2010_e.pdf