The McArthur River Uranium Mine, in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, is the world's largest high-grade uranium deposit.

The McArthur River deposit was discovered in 1988. The property is located 620 air kilometres north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and 80 kilometres northeast of the Key Lake mill in the uranium rich Athabasca Basin. Mine construction began in 1997, with production commencing in 1999. The mine achieved full commercial production in November 2000. Production is regulated at 18.7 million pounds of yellowcake a year with the ore being processed through the Key Lake mill.

Reserves

As of December 31, 2007, the mine has proven and probable reserves of 766,500 tonnes at an average grade of 20.66% U₃O₈ (349.1 Million pounds)

Awards

In 2000 the McArthur River mine was awarded the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's John T. Ryan Trophy for the best safety record for metal mines in Canada for that year.

Ownership

The mine is owned by Cameco Corporation (70%) and AREVA Resources Canada Inc. (30%), formerly COGEMA Resources Inc. Cameco is the mine operator.

See also

• Unconformity uranium deposits
• Uranium mining

External links