What are the Oil Sands?
Canada’s oil sands are the largest deposit of crude oil on the planet. The oil sands (or tar sands as they are sometimes inaccurately referred to), are a mixture of sand, water, clay and a type of oil called bitumen. Thanks to innovation and technology we can recover oil from the oil sands, providing energy security for the future.
Oil sands are a mixture of sand, water and bitumen (oil that is too heavy or thick to flow on its own). Bitumen is so thick that at room temperature it acts much like cold molasses. For that reason, this resource is sometimes called “tar sands,” but that term is incorrect because bitumen and tar (asphalt) are different compounds. “Oil sands” correctly identifies the end product derived from bitumen: crude oil.
Virtual Reality
Experience the magic of virtual reality (VR) and learn about oil sands development and environmental performance. CAPP’s behind-the-scenes VR tours will give you an incredible inside look at oil sands mining and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations.
The oil sands mining VR lets you ride along in a huge haul truck, takes you inside a bitumen molecule, explains the sequence of surface mining, and provides quick facts – all of which adds up to a first-hand look into the fascinating world of Canada’s oil sands.
The SAGD immersive experiences takes you deep underground to learn how steam heats bitumen to make it flow, a technology that has revolutionized oil sands production with less land disturbance than surface mining. You’ll also find fascinating quick facts and get inside an actual in situ operation.
The oil sands SAGD VR app can be downloaded to your mobile device or desktop for free by clicking the links below.
Google Play: CAPP Oil Sands and Natural Gas VR
Apple Store: CAPP Oil Sands and Natural Gas VR
You can watch a 360 degree version suitable for viewing on a flat screen if you don’t have a VR headset. To navigate the 360 degree video version click and hold, within the video and drag in the direction you wish to view.
HISTORY
Alberta Oil Sands
Oil sands deposits are found around the world, including Venezuela, the United States and Russia, but the Athabasca deposit in Alberta is the largest, most developed and uses the most technologically advanced production processes. Commercial-scale production from Alberta’s oil sands started in 1967 when the Great Canadian Oil Sands (now Suncor Energy) started operation.
LOCATION
Where Are Canada’s Oil Sands?
Canada’s oil sands are found in three regions within Alberta and Saskatchewan: Athabasca, Cold Lake and Peace River, which combined cover an area more than 142,000 square kilometres (km2). Contrary to some exaggerated reports, the current active mining footprint is about 1,030 km2 – an area slightly larger than the City of Calgary.
Only about 3%, (or 4,800 km2) of that land could ever be impacted by mining, and all area is reclaimed after use.
THE PROCESS
Getting the Oil Out
A variety of oil recovery methods are currently used for oil sands production, and new methods are put in place as new technology is developed.
About 20% of Canada’s oil sands deposits are within 70 metres (200 feet) of the surface and can be recovered with surface mining, but most oil sands reservoirs are deeper and require drilling and production methods called “in situ,” which creates much less surface land disturbance and mining.
THE PROCESS
From Oil Extraction to Consumer
Some bitumen is diluted with lighter hydrocarbon to make ‘dilbit’ so that it will flow through a pipeline. Alternatively, bitumen may be upgraded to make heavy crude oil. Both these products can be further refined to make gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum-based products.
THE PROCESS
Refining Bitumen
Once extracted, the bitumen is refined. Some refining is done within the oil sands region or other Alberta refineries, but most is sent to refineries all over North America via pipeline, rail or marine transport.
THE PROCESS
Oil Sands Contribute to Canada’s Economy
Canada’s oil sands are an important part of Canada’s economy and help create jobs across the country, both directly and indirectly.
Oil Sands Innovation is Crucial
Oil sands operators must adhere to stringent regulations.
Canada’s oil sands sector is a high-tech, knowledge-based industry. New technology and innovation are critical to developing the oil sands and improving environmental performance.
Oil sands operators must adhere to stringent regulations. Approvals from numerous regulatory agencies are required at every phase, from construction and operations to shut-down and reclamation.
Companies within Canada’s oil sands industry collaborate to jointly develop technologies that reduce impacts on air, land and water, and provide benefits for our country. Industry is also committed to providing a safe workplace for employees, contractors and communities
Canada's Oil Sands Fact Book
The Facts on Oil Sands was designed to give readers fast, easy access to oil sands facts to help them participate in the discussion. Facts are sourced from credible third parties or are developed using CAPP data that is checked against other data sources, including government reports.