McArthur River Electrical Substation
Powering expansion of the world's largest high-grade uranium mine
Cameco Corporation
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Canada
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2013–2015
World's largest high-grade uranium mine.
18 million tpa of uranium produced.
2015 CIM Award for project safety.
New 138 kV substation for mine power.
Challenges
- Cameco Corporation needed a solution to supply power for future infrastructure expansions at the McArthur River mine operation, the world's largest high-grade uranium mine.
- Ore grades within the deposit are one hundred times the world average.
- The operation can produce more than 18 million pounds of uranium each year by mining only 150 to 200 tonnes of ore per day.
Solutions
- Completed basic engineering and provided full EPCM services for the design and construction of a 32-MW, 138-kV electrical substation and standby power-generation facility.
- Constructed the electrical substation with power distribution and back-up generation.
- Included diesel storage tanks and power distribution throughout the mine site.
- Initiated site preparation in 2012 and completed full construction.
Highlights
- The McArthur River operation is the world's largest high-grade uranium mine.
- Site is located in a remote area of northern Saskatchewan.
- With challenging logistics and winter conditions, the project was executed with excellent local procurement and local contractor engagement.
- Completed below budget.
- Received the 2015 CIM Award for Project Safety.
Project numbers
C$100 million-plus capital value18 million tpa of uranium
138-kV substation
Services & technologies provided