Name of the Project
Yeelirrie uranium project.
Location
The project is located in the Northern Goldfields region of Western Australia, about 70 km south-west of Wiluna.
Client
Cameco Australia.
Project Description
Yeelirrie is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
The project has estimated resources of 127.3-million pounds of uranium, with an average ore grade of 0.16% uranium.
Cameco proposes to produce up to 7 500 t/y of uranium oxide concentrate (UOC) through the development and operation of two openpits and on-site metallurgical plant.
The ore will be processed using an alkali tank leaching process and followed by direct precipitation.
All tailings generated will be returned to the tailings storage facility (TSF) in the openpit.
The project will include:
• an on-site quarry to provide raw construction materials;
• a pit dewatering system consisting of trenches, sump drains and pumps;
• a water supply borefield and associated infrastructure;
• a water reinjection borefield and associated infrastructure;
• a surface water diversion system to exclude water from the mining area, the tailings and stockpiled ore;
• an electricity supply network powered by a series of on-site diesel (or gas-fired) generators – a new gas pipeline extension of about 50 km will be required for the gas-fired generator option with a connection to the Wiluna to Kalgoorlie pipeline; if this option were to be developed, it would be subjected to a separate approval;
• buildings, including workshops, offices and warehouses;
• an accommodation village; and
• associated infrastructure, including potable water and sewage treatment plants.
UOC will be trucked to the Port of Adelaide for export.
Jobs to be Created
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Value
Not stated.
Duration
Not stated.
Latest Developments
The Western Australian government approved Cameco’s Yeelirrie uranium project in January, subject to 17 conditions.
The approval of mine followed a rigorous environmental assessment process, significant public consultation and agreement between Environment Minister Albert Jacob and the Ministers for Water, Mines and Petroleum, Aboriginal Affairs and State Development.
In its report on the project, the Environmental Protection Authority advised that the proposal was acceptable for eight of nine key environmental factors, including protecting human health.
However, it recommended against approval because there was potential for the loss of species of stygofauna and troglofauna in the project area. Stygofauna and troglofauna are small creatures, predominantly crustaceans, that live permanently underground in water and soils. Jacob has said in deciding to grant approval, government had considered broader economic and social matters, as well as environmental factors. Conditions have been applied to the proposal, requiring Cameco to undertake further surveys and research to improve knowledge of underground fauna and measures to minimise impacts on these species.
“Further surveys may identify that the species currently found only within the project area are more widespread. I have, therefore, mandated as part of this approval further survey work and investment in research,” he said.
Jacob said he had also taken into consideration input from public appeals against the project and advice from the departments of Water and Parks and Wildlife and would tighten conditions on flora and vegetation, offsets and the public availability of management plans.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Cameco director, external communications Gord Struthers, tel +1 306 956 6593.