Murray Wood: Of Easter bunny bells and Juicy Fruit gum
For Murray Wood, Easter brings to mind grandma's practical advice about repurposing, and some of life's little lessons.
A uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan is temporarily suspending production due to “increasing risks posed” by COVID-19.
Cameco operates the Cigar Lake uranium mine, which now has three positive cases of COVID-19.
“The safety of our workers, their families and communities is our top priority,” Cameco president and CEO Tim Gitzel said in a media release Monday.
“We have had six positive tests at our northern operations in recent weeks, including three at Cigar Lake. While the protocols we have put in place have to date allowed us to effectively manage these cases, there are broader risks we don’t control.”
The suspension in production is expected to continue “over the coming weeks,” according to the release.
Cameco says it will continue to speak with public health authorities and northern leaders.
The Cigar Lake mine has produced 2.3 million pounds of uranium concentrates as of Sept. 30. It normally employs 300 on-site workers.
The mine will be placed in a safe state of care and maintenance with a significant reduction in personnel.
The mine is located more than 200 kilometres southeast of Stony Rapids.
