Mines provide employment only when they are in operation. After decommissioning the communities again face unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, etc. In terms of uranium as an energy source, there are energy alternatives which are less harmful to the environment and less invasive for the residents of nearby communities. There are social and economic alternatives for northern residents to accepting uranium mining in their area. With greater support from the government and other Saskatchewan communities, northern communities can experience a more positive and sustainable social and economic development.
Mining companies have other options as well.
There are other resources they could mine which do not result in dangerous radioactive tailings. The unemployment rate is very high, as are the rates of poverty, drug use, and suicide. These communities are in need of money and support for social development, which leads them to accept uranium mines as an opportunity for social and economic improvement. Mining companies have affirmative action policies to educate and hire northern residents, but when the mine is decommissioned the community once again faces unemployment. Most importantly, the mines have frequent accidents which pollute the northern environment.