Common Questions
Why do we need the oil sands?
Alberta’s oil sands are a growing contributor to the world oil supply and a stable energy source for domestic and international markets.
Learn more about the resource.
How big are the oil sands?
Alberta’s oil reserves are second only to Saudi Arabia. The entire oil sands resource is about the size of Florida, but only a small portion can be surface-mined.
Learn more about the resource.
What is the role of new technology?
Technology like steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAG-D) allows wells to be drilled from a single pad, making the environmental impacts easier to mitigate and to manage because the level of disturbance is much smaller.
Learn more about the research and technology in the oil sands.
How will the land be reclaimed?
Under our province’s strict legislation, companies must reclaim Alberta’s land so it can be productive again. Reclamation is what makes oil sands mining and development possible.
Learn more about reclamation.
What is the impact of tailings ponds?
Tailings ponds are part of the mining process. The proposed design and location of a pond is thoroughly reviewed to ensure it is suitable from environmental, resource conservation and economic points of view. All ponds are constructed with groundwater seepage-capture facilities, and are closely monitored.
Learn more about tailings ponds.
Is water quality affected?
To maintain a supply of good quality water, Alberta’s water management framework sets strict limits on how much water can be taken from the Athabasca River.
Learn more about water quality.
Is air quality affected?
Over the last 10 or 15 years, air quality has been rated good 98% of the time or better.
Learn more about air quality.
What is the impact of oil sands on climate change?
CO2 doesn’t respect any jurisdictions or boundaries. Oil sands development contributes about one-tenth of 1% of global emissions.
Learn more about the Alberta Climate Change Strategy. Learn more about carbon capture and storage.
Can Alberta find solutions?
Our experts in Alberta are recognized as international experts and they’re in high demand around the world.
Learn more about research and technology in the oil sands.
