The uranium company said crews re-entered the shaft on Dec. 12. Now two-thirds complete, Cameco said work on the main shaft includes the installation of a ladderway, the replacement of mechanical and electrical components and the extension of a pumping system.
Once the remediation of the shaft is complete, the company says crews will be able to re-enter the mine and inspect the underground development in order to determine what further work needs to be done.
Cameco, which is operator and 50 per cent owner of the site, said about half of the water in the mine has been pumped out. The remaining water is at the 475-metre level in the main shaft.
Dewatering and work to secure the underground development at Cigar Lake is expected to be completed between April and October 2010, depending on the condition of the mine, the company said.
Cameco said it will provide an updated technical report for the project -- including a timeline to production startup and an updated estimate on the capital cost -- by the end of the first quarter 2010. An additional update on the remediation work will be made in February when the company reports its 2009 financial results.
Meanwhile, the company also released the results of its annual public opinion poll Thursday.
The poll, conducted by Fast Consulting, shows 81 per cent of Saskatchewan residents support the uranium mining industry in the province.
Fast Consulting conducted the poll in November and December.
- Saskatchewan News Network
