VANCOUVER - A toxic spill from a British Columbia mine has prompted the country's nuclear watchdog to request a series of checks at seven uranium facilities.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will discuss the failure of the tailings pond at the Mount Polley gold and copper mine during a meeting Wednesday.
In the interim, the commission has asked the uranium mining and milling operations it oversees to ensure that all necessary inspections and monitoring are in compliance with licence conditions.
The companies — which include Areva Resources, Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO), Rio Algom, Willet Green Miller, P.J. Brugger and Associates, EWL Management Ltd. and Denison Mines Inc.(TSX:DML) — have been asked to confirm that mitigation measures are in place in the event of a tailings pond breach.
They're also asked to confirm the safety of tailings facilities and report any identified gaps to the commission by Sept. 15.
On Monday, the B.C. mines minister ordered all mining companies in the province to inspect their own tailings ponds.
