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The two mines sites are relatively close, but there is no road connecting them. (Image Credit: Google Maps)
uranium industry

NDP calls for construction of road connecting northern mine sites

Jul 15, 2026 | 5:02 PM

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for the federal government to support the construction of a new road in the North to connect the Cigar Lake and McArthur River uranium mines.  

A letter sent to Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson from three NDP MLAs, including Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail, states that connecting the two mines together, with an all-season road, would improve economic activity, as well as public safety for industry and northern residents by creating an alternative route when fires or floods cause road closures.  

“For more than a decade, the proposal to build an all-season road between the Cigar Lake and McArthur River uranium mines has been studied and debated, but neither the federal government nor the provincial government has stepped up to get this important project finished,” the letter notes. 

“These two vital uranium facilities in Northern Saskatchewan are less than 50 kilometres apart as the crow flies, but driving between them requires travelling more than 1,000 kilometres on existing roads.” 

The letter goes on to add that the proposed infrastructure project will advance Canada’s energy security, create jobs, increase public safety, and attract investment in the North. 

The Ministry of Highways initiated an environmental impact assessment in 2010 to connect the two mine sites and public input was sought for the project in late 2021. In an email to larongeNOW, a spokesperson for the ministry confirmed the project was withdrawn in 2024 as it was contingent on the Millennium uranium mine development moving forward. According to Cameco’s website, no work is planned at Millennium in 2026. Instead, its focus is on “producing from our tier-one uranium assets at a pace aligned with our contract portfolio and market opportunities.”

“If need is renewed for this connector by industry, the Ministry of Highways is open to discuss potential options,” the email states. 

 “The Ministry of Highways continues delivering significant investments in the transportation network that supports Northern Saskatchewan.” 

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com