In the heart of Saskatchewan’s rugged boreal forest lies an extraordinary operation—the Cigar Lake uranium mine. Renowned as one of the richest sources of uranium globally, the mine employs over 400 individuals, including students like Cessa Fern, who bravely navigate the challenges of working underground. This article delves into the intricacies of the Cigar Lake mine, highlighting the experiences of its workers and the environmental considerations that accompany uranium extraction.
A Day in the Life Underground
Cessa Fern starts her day in an unusual way—squeezed alongside 19 colleagues into a metal cage, which is then lowered to depths exceeding that of New York’s Empire State Building. The descent is a journey into an underground world filled with rock formations, pipes, and the hum of machinery. Initially apprehensive about the risks associated with mining, Fern recalls her trepidation as she prepared for her first day. “I was like, ‘No way am I going to work in the mine,’” she admits.
Despite her fears, Fern faced the challenges head-on, even taking on tasks in particularly daunting areas of the mine. “They told me, ‘You can do it,’” she recounts, reflecting on a moment when she had to collect air samples in a notably dark and noisy section of the mine. “So, I did. I went down and got the air sample, even though I was scared.”
Mining Techniques and Safety Protocols
At Cigar Lake, workers do not come into direct contact with uranium due to its radioactive properties. Instead, they employ a sophisticated jet boring system to extract the ore safely. This machine sends a drill, called the “rhino,” into the rock, keeping the cavity intact while high-pressure water cuts the ore into manageable pieces. The resulting slurry—a mixture of uranium, water, and surrounding rock—is then transported to a holding area for processing.
Safety is paramount in the mine, with stringent monitoring systems in place. Radiation levels are continuously tracked, and a warning light system alerts workers to potential hazards. Employees are exposed to minimal radiation annually, significantly less than that associated with typical medical imaging procedures. Taryn Roske, a seasoned operator of the jet boring system and one of the few women in this role, underscores the importance of resilience in an industry that remains predominantly male. “I am trying to prove that, just because I’m a woman, doesn’t mean that I’m not capable of doing the job,” she says.
The Community and Environmental Impact
Cameco, the company behind the Cigar Lake operation, prides itself on its commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. Approximately 45 per cent of the workforce comprises residents from northern Saskatchewan, with 46 per cent identifying as Indigenous. The company has established collaboration agreements with various First Nations communities, focusing on job creation, sustainable development, and environmental protection.
The environmental protocols in place at Cigar Lake ensure that the water used in mining is treated and tested before re-entering Waterbury Lake. Furthermore, any remaining contaminated waste is secured and later repurposed to fill tunnels once mining operations conclude. “The water that comes out is clean; the water that goes in is clean,” assures Kirk Lamont, the mine’s general manager.
The Importance of Family Legacy
For some, the mining profession is a family tradition. Cessa Fern’s story is particularly poignant as her father, Victor Fern Jr., serves as the mine’s maintenance supervisor, while her grandfather, Victor Fern Sr., works in community relations. This familial connection to the industry has helped Cessa comprehend the sacrifices made by her family. “When I was younger, I was confused and was like, ‘Why does my dad have to leave for two weeks?’ But now that I’m older, I understand why he’s doing it. It’s really cool,” she reflects.
Underneath the surface, the mine produces approximately eight million kilograms of uranium annually, sufficient to power Saskatchewan’s electricity grid for 22 years. This impressive output places Canada as the second-largest uranium producer globally, with a substantial portion of its yield sourced from Cigar Lake.
Why it Matters
The Cigar Lake mine is not just a site of uranium extraction; it represents a complex interplay of technological innovation, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. As the world increasingly turns to nuclear power for sustainable energy solutions, the operations at Cigar Lake offer a glimpse into the future of mining—where environmental considerations and local community needs align with the demands of a global market. The stories of individuals like Cessa Fern illuminate the human side of this industry, showcasing how the pursuit of energy security can also foster family legacies and community resilience.
