Cameco launches Kintyre public review

Uranium hopeful Cameco has released an environmental review and management program for its Kintyre project in the east Pilbara.

The program will be available for public review for 14 weeks, allowing interested parties to make submissions to the Environmental Protection Authority.

Cameco will respond to the submissions at the conclusion of the public review period as the EPA prepares a report with recommendations to the environment minister.

The company has signalled that it does not intend to bring the Kintyre project to development until the uranium spot price picks up from its current low level, and is focusing instead on finding ways to reduce costs at the project.

"We are advancing Kintyre through the environmental assessment process, continuing to build strong relationships with stakeholders and identifying additional resources to improve the economics of the project," Cameco Australia managing director Brian Reilly said.

"The public review phase is a significant step in the environmental assessment process and the culmination of more than four years of extensive community consultation and rigorous environmental and technical studies."

Cameco owns a 70 per cent stake in the Kintyre project, with Mitsubishi Development holding the remaining 30 per cent stake.

The Kintyre deposit was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2008 and is estimated to contain initial resources of around 55 million pounds.

The Australian Conservation Foundation and the Conservation Council of WA immediately flagged that they would challenge Cameco's plans.

"We will use every available avenue to challenge this dangerous proposal," CCWA campaigner Mia Pepper said.