The future of oil sands production in Alberta

The oil sands are an enormous Canadian resource. The ultimate volume of crude bitumen in place is estimated to be some 400 billion cubic meters with 12 percent or 49 billion cubic meters estimated to be ultimately recoverable. Canada's resources of crude bitumen occur entirely within the province of Alberta and are found in sand and carbonate sedimentary formations in three regions defined as the Athabasca, Cold Lake, and Peace River. To mine and extract these resources, dragline or shovel and truck processes are used. Lower steam to oil ratio and artificial lift can help in finding out an optimum condition for extracting bitumen. Though it minimizes the recovery process but at the same time will reduce cost. Upgrading process is complex and need to be develop according to the composition of oil sands formation. As the resources in Canada for extracting conventional crude oil are declining; there is need for development of the existing technology for extracting heavy oil and oil sands. Advance development made in directional drilling and Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technologies leads to further develop in-situ production technologies for instance Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD). These advances in technologies will help in improving well bore reservoir contact and sweep efficiencies ensuring minimum production costs. Environmental concerns increase with the use of mining oil sands by in-situ methods. The main issues are habitat fragmentation, surface and ground water quality, air emissions and land disturbance.