People and Community

PROFILE

Cameco's policy is to maximize the employment of local people and the benefits flowing to communities nearest its operations, particularly when such operations are located in remote areas.

EMPLOYMENT

In Saskatchewan, Cameco's record of employing northern residents remained strong in 1996. Of the 1,050 people working at Key Lake, Rabbit Lake, McArthur River and Contact Lake, 50% were northern residents, mostly of aboriginal ancestry.

At Kumtor, as construction intensified in 1996, the workforce peaked at 2,300. More than 80% of employees were local residents. As the operation moves from construction to production, the workforce is being reduced to less than 1,000 people.

Cameco offers training opportunities to all employees through a corporate education and training section at head office in Saskatoon, on-site training programs at the operations and programs developed in conjunction with educational institutions.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

To enhance economic opportunities for nearby communities, Cameco and its subsidiaries give preferential consideration to local suppliers when competitively priced materials, supplies or services can be obtained.

In 1996, of the $108 million spent on goods and services in Saskatchewan, more than $44 million was spent in northern Saskatchewan. At Kumtor, more than $75 million has been spent on products and services purchased from local Kyrgyz suppliers since construction began in mid-1994.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

Cameco's policy is to invest one-half of 1% of the previous year's net earnings in programs to enhance education, health, science, culture and sport in the communities where it operates. In 1996, more than $500,000 was spent on such donations and sponsorships.

Employment