Orano Mining Futures Fund supports new USask student scholarships

Orano Canada, headquartered in Saskatoon, Sask., has been exploring for uranium, developing mines, and producing uranium concentrate for more than 60 years and is a leading producer of uranium in Canada. The donation is part of Orano’s celebration of the Cluff Lake mine in northwest Saskatchewan. Earlier this year, the mine site was fully remediated, and the land was returned to the Province of Saskatchewan’s institutional control program.  

To celebrate the history of the Cluff Lake mine and to demonstrate this lasting commitment to future uranium projects and the value of nuclear in Saskatchewan, Orano has committed to supporting students at post-secondary institutions across the province, including USask, through endowments and scholarships totaling $300,000. It is anticipated that this fund will support more than 85 separate scholarships over the next 15 to 20 years.  

“The Cluff Lake Mine may now be complete but we believe in uranium mining and nuclear power in this province, and we want to support the students who will keep that industry thriving into the future,” said Tammy Van Lambalgen, K.C., vice-president and chief corporate officer at Orano Canada.  

Starting in the 2025/26 academic year and for the next three years, two annual scholarships of at least $5,000 each will be available. Beyond that, the endowed donation will fund one or two scholarships each year in perpetuity. The scholarships will recognize and promote academic excellence and be open to undergraduate students in the Colleges of Arts and Science, and in Engineering. Part of the application requirement is a statement of interest or connection to the mining industry or clean energy, which Van Lambalgen said she hopes will get students thinking about a career in those areas. 

“We want students to know that there is a wealth of career options at Orano and that we’re ready to invest in their future,” she said. “We have a robust exploration department, so we offer careers in geosciences, geology, water sciences and then of course our mining and milling operations require civil, geological, environmental or mining engineers.”  

“These new awards, generously funded by Orano Canada, will provide opportunities for our students to pursue impactful careers in mining, exploration and related fields, equipping them with the education and skills need to shape the future of these essential industries,” said Dr. Brooke Milne (PhD), dean of the College of Arts and Science at USask. 

Dr. Michael Bradley (PhD), dean of the College of Engineering, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that student awards in this area can help drive innovation and sustainable progress in mining and exploration industries. 

“This scholarship is a catalyst for shaping the future of sustainable mining and clean energy,” said Bradley. “It empowers our USask Engineering students to tackle the complex challenges of resource extraction while driving innovation in clean technologies. Orano’s support is an investment into engineers our world needs, ones who will build upon clean energy solutions to fuel progress and success for our communities.” 

The generous donation from Orano is part of the USask’s Be What the World Needs Campaign which Van Lambalgen said Orano is proud to be a part of. 

“As an international company, we’re very focused on climate change and providing carbon-free fuel not just in Saskatchewan, but worldwide,” she said. “Nuclear energy is also what the world needs so supporting Saskatchewan’s largest university and the bright minds that study there and can work on those challenges into the future. It just fits together perfectly.”