Orano and its predecessor companies have been active in Canada since 1964, primarily operating within northern Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin.
The company's first major activities began with the exploration and development of the Cluff Lake project.
The first Cluff Lake uranium orebody was discovered in 1969 and by 1980, operations began at the newly built mine and mill.
In 1993, Orano acquired majority interest and operational control of the McClean Lake and Midwest projects in the eastern Athabasca Basin.
By 1995, Orano began mining at the McClean Lake site while also starting construction on its uranium processing mill.