About the Industry
Oil Sands
Oil sands are a mixture of sand, water, clay and bitumen (oil). The Canadian oil sands region is home to an estimated 173 billion barrels of oil, or about 97% of Canada's total oil reserves.
Shallow oil sand deposits (up to 75 metres deep) make up about 20% of the reserves. They are accessed via open mines. Many heavy equipment operators are needed to operate the shovels that collect the oil sands and drive the enormous oil sands trucks from the mine site to the processing facility.
Close to 80% of oil sands reserves are located too far below the surface for mining. Wells are drilled for this oil, just like wells in the conventional oil industry, but more help is needed to get the bitumen to flow up the wellbore.
Because the oil is so thick, sophisticated technologies, like Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), are used to help the oil flow to the surface.
As conventional sources of energy begin to decline, the Canadian oil sands will become a significant source of global energy for future generations. By 2020, more than 80% of Canada's future oil production is expected to come from the oil sands. The oil sands in Canada are found in Alberta – in the Athabasca, Peace River and Cold Lake regions – covering nearly 140,200* square kilometres.
For more oil sands information, visit:
- Alberta Oil Sands
Government of Alberta oilsands industry website. - Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
Represents exploration and production companies, many of which are active in the oil sands. - Canada Oil Sands Forum
CAPP initiative to listen and respond more effectively to concerns about the environmental and social impacts of developing Canada's oil sands. - Centre for Energy Oil Sands and Heavy Oil
Overview of oil sands. - Fort McMurray Labour Market Information
Jobs, salaries and working and living conditions of the Fort McMurray, Alberta area. - Government of Alberta: Energy
Development of energy and mineral resources in Alberta. - Government of Alberta – Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat
Addresses the social, infrastructure, environmental and economic impacts of oil sands development. It acts as a main point of contact for inquiries from the public, industry and stakeholders on managing growth in the oil sands. - In Situ Oil Sands Alliance (IOSA)
IOSA is an alliance of emerging in situ oil sands developers, with the primary goal of managing the responsible development of the oil sands. - Oil Sands Developer Group
Accurate, credible information about Athabasca oil sands activity. - Oil Sands Discovery Centre
A brief history of the oil sands region, along with some fact sheets about oil sands recovery and processing. - Setting the Record Straight
Blog featuring Oil Sands Developers Group President Don Thompson, sharing thoughts and facts about the development of Canada's oil sands.
Interested in working in the oil sands? You have a huge range of career options! Check out:
