Premier Brad Wall said it’s a terrible day for northern Saskatchewan and for 500 people who are losing their jobs at a uranium mine. Cameco announced Thursday that it is suspending operations at its Rabbit Lake mine because of an oversupply of uranium around the world, caused in part by the shutdown of nuclear facilities in Japan.
Wall says the Ministry of Economy will send a team to help workers identify other jobs or re-training opportunities.
The premier said if there’s some hope, it’s that Cameco is not closing the mine completely and permanently.
READ MORE: Cameco suspends Rabbit Lake mine production and cuts 500 jobs
About 150 people will be kept on at Rabbit Lake to maintain the facilities and do environmental monitoring and reclamation.
Cameco is also reducing 85 positions at its U.S. operations. The company states it will help those affected by the decisions; some will be offered exit packages, others will be relocated to other Cameco facilities.
Wall said the province will work with companies and the federal government to find new markets and build demand for Saskatchewan uranium.
The mine opened in 1975 and is the longest running uranium production facility in North America, according to Cameco.
With files from Joel Senick
WATCH BELOW: Hundreds of jobs to be cut after Cameco suspends Rabbit Lake operation
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