Orano Canada and Denison Mines Celebrate Milestone in Uranium Production at McClean Lake

On July 17, 2025, Orano Canada Inc. and Denison Mines Corp. proudly announced the successful commencement of uranium mining operations through their joint venture, the McClean Lake Joint Venture (MLJV). This landmark achievement showcases their patented mining technique known as Surface Access Borehole Resource Extraction, commonly referred to as SABRE.

SABRE Technology

Orano Canada holds a commanding 77.5% interest in the MLJV and acts as its operator, while Denison owns the remaining 22.5%. The SABRE method, which began its mining process in June 2025, has already yielded approximately 250 tonnes of high-grade ore exceeding 10% U3O8 (uranium oxide) from the initial mining cavity. Remarkably, Orano Canada has successfully backfilled this cavity, advanced the SABRE rig to the designated second mining cavity, and commenced the processing of the extracted ore at the McClean Lake mill.

Xavier Saint Martin Tillet, President of Orano Mining, remarked, "The initiation of uranium production via the SABRE technique marks a pivotal transformation, enabling exploration into previously inaccessible territories. This innovation underscores our dedication to providing a reliable and responsible supply of natural uranium to nuclear power producers globally, thereby supporting the production of low-carbon electricity."

Importance of This Milestone

Jim Corman, President and CEO of Orano Canada, expressed pride in the team's efforts, stating, "Our investment in research and development within Orano has culminated in the extraction and processing of ore that once seemed economically unviable. I am extremely proud of our employees, contractors, and partners who turned this method into a working reality. This is indeed an exciting period for the uranium industry."

Denison's President and CEO, David Cates, also commented on this significant event, noting that the initiation of SABRE mining at McClean North marks a pivotal moment in MLJV's history, revitalizing mining activities for the first time since 2008. He praised Orano for its operational excellence and innovative approach in Saskatchewan.

Innovative Mining Method

The development of SABRE commenced in 2004 and wrapped up in 2021, having undergone extensive multi-year testing, which unearthed approximately 1,500 tonnes of valuable ore. This unique mining method employs a high-pressure water jet at the base of a drill hole to carve out mining cavities, allowing the cuttings to be air-lifted to the surface for further processing. SABRE offers advantages such as selective and scalable mining capabilities, allowing for the extraction of smaller, high-grade orebodies in areas that traditional mining methods cannot economically reach. Additionally, it boasts a considerably lower environmental impact with reduced water usage and lower power consumption.

The SABRE method minimizes radiological exposure for workers since it is a non-entry mining technique, significantly enhancing safety on-site. Such innovations position SABRE as a promising alternative to more conventional mining strategies, making it especially appealing to a dynamically changing uranium market. Its unique characteristics allow for quicker production ramp-ups, anticipated to unfold over months instead of years.

Looking Ahead

The successful initiation of the SABRE mining technique has cast a positive spotlight on the uranium sector, indicating an era of renewed sustainability and advanced operations. Both Orano Canada and Denison Mines are committed to further optimizing this innovative mining approach, which could play a crucial role in meeting future energy demands responsibly.

This development not only enhances the companies' operational capabilities but also illustrates a commitment to sustainability in resource extraction, representing a bright future for the mining industry in Canada and beyond.

As both companies navigate forward, they remain dedicated to ensuring safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, acknowledging the profound impact of their operations on local ecosystems and economies.

About Orano Canada

Orano Canada, headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been a pivotal player in uranium production for over 60 years, processing millions of pounds of uranium concentrate annually. The company operates several significant mining projects in the Athabasca Basin, highlighting its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

About Denison Mines

Denison, a prominent uranium mining company, focuses on the Athabasca Basin region and is recognized for its extensive exploration and development initiatives that have solidified its standing in the uranium market. With a history dating back to 1954, Denison has firmly established itself as a leader in mining and exploration, dedicating resources to sustainable and responsible mining practices.