Exhibit 1
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TSX: CCO NYSE:
CCJ |
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website: cameco.com
currency: Cdn (unless noted) |
2121 11th Street West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7M
1J3 Canada
Tel: 306-956-6200 Fax:
306-956-6201
Production suspension at JV Inkai
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, January 2, 2025
Cameco (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) was informed by our partner, National Atomic Company Kazatomprom JSC (Kazatomprom), and Joint Venture Inkai LLP (JV
Inkai), that as of January 1, 2025, JV Inkai has suspended production activity.
On December 31, 2024, JV Inkai formally notified us that it had not
received an extension of the timeline to submit its updated Project for Uranium Deposit Development documentation (Project Documentation), an extension that was expected prior to 2024 year-end. We were
informed by Kazatomprom that the extension was not received as expected due to the delayed submission of the necessary documentation to the Ministry of Energy. As majority owner and controlling partner of the joint venture, on December 30,
2024, Kazatomprom directed JV Inkai to plan for a halt of operations as of January 1, 2025, to avoid potential violation of Kazakhstan legislation.
Based on the information we had been receiving from JV Inkai and Kazatomprom, a process to address the update of the Project Documentation was underway and a
positive outcome was expected. Reports received by Cameco as recently as December 26, 2024, made no mention of a production suspension being a risk in relation to this process.
We are disappointed and surprised by this unexpected suspension and we will be seeking further clarification on how this transpired, as well as the potential
2025 and 2026 production and financial impacts (including on future dividends), and what Cameco can do to help Kazatomprom and JV Inkai restart mining operations.
Kazatomprom holds a 60% interest in JV Inkai, while Cameco owns a 40% share.
Caution about forward-looking information
This news
release includes statements and information about our expectations for the future, which we refer to as forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on our current views, which can change significantly, and actual results and
events may be significantly different from what we currently expect. Examples of forward-looking information in this news release include: the timeframe for any required extension of the timeline to submit the Project Documentation or receive
approval of the Project Documentation; and whether and when mining operations can be restored.
Material risks that could lead to different results
include: complexity and uncertainty in the application, interpretation and enforcement of the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan; expropriation or nationalization of JV Inkais properties or Camecos interest in JV Inkai; amendments to and
uncertainty in the enforcement of government regulation in the Republic of Kazakhstan; termination of JV Inkais resource use contract by governmental authorities; geopolitical risk in Kazakhstan and surrounding countries; risk of corruption in
Kazakhstan and surrounding countries; risk of sanctions and risk of dealing with sanctioned individuals or entities; production variance from JV Inkais resource use contract; procurement and supply chain issues, including with respect to the
availability of sulphuric acid; availability of drilling services and construction services in Kazakhstan; and availability of transportation.
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