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A practical guide to Alberta’s oil sands miners
From the mining pit to tailings reclamation, learn more about the mining process and each of the six oil sands mining operations.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
THE PROCESS
The basic components of an oil sands mine — from the mining pit, through the bitumen production process, and tailings reclamation. This chapter looks at how technology has evolved over the years, and highlights the key differences between the operators.
THE SIX MINING FACILITIES
The next six chapters are dedicated to each mining project — starting wth the lease map, mining sequence, bitumen production flowsheet, tailings storage, fines reclamation techniques, as well as any expansion plans in the works.
FUTURE OUTLOOK & PRODUCTION FORECAST
The current production profile, installed capacity and an outlook to 2030. This chapter reviews all planned mine expansions, process plant debottlenecking work under development, and all expansion projects that already have regulatory approvals in place.
PREVIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER
WHAT’S INCLUDED
14 Video Lessons: 9 Chapters • 2 hr 10 min
9 PDF Slide Decks: 1 per chapter
Video Transcript • 32 pg PDF
References and Further Reading • 5 pg PDF
$200
COURSE CURRICULUM
CHAPTER 0: OVERVIEW (8:40)
• Lease map
• Process overview
• Upgrader integration
• Extraction technology selection
• Tailings reclamation techniques
• Bitumen production profile
CHAPTER 1: PROCESS DESCRIPTION (27:10)
• Process flowsheet
• Geology and mining
• Ore handling and slurry preparation
• Hydrotransport
• Primary Extraction
• Secondary and tertiary recovery
• Froth Treatment (NFT vs PFT)
• Tailings reclamation technologies
CHAPTER 2: SUNCOR BASE PLANT (17:00)
• Mining sequence and lease map
• Bitumen Production
⎯ Steepbank OPP/Extraction
⎯ Millennium OPP/Extraction
⎯ Base Plant Froth Treatment
• Upgrading
• Tailings reclamation
• Future expansion plans
CHAPTER 3: SYNCRUDE (20:00)
• Mining sequence and lease map
• Bitumen Production
⎯ North Mine OPP
⎯ Mildred Lake Extraction
⎯ Aurora North OPP/Extraction
⎯ Mildred Lake Froth Treatment
• Upgrader integration
• Tailings reclamation
• Future expansion plans
CHAPTER 4: ALBIAN SANDS (14:30)
• Mining sequence and lease map
• Bitumen Production
⎯ Muskeg River OPP/Extraction
⎯ Jackpine OPP/Extraction
⎯ Froth Treatment
• Upgrader integration
• Tailings reclamation
• Future expansion plans
CHAPTER 5: HORIZON (12:00)
• Mining sequence and lease map
• Bitumen Production
• Upgrader integration
• Tailings reclamation
• Future expansion plans
CHAPTER 6: KEARL (9:15)
• Mining sequence and lease map
• Bitumen Production (K1/K2)
• Product dilution
• Tailings reclamation
• Future expansion plans
CHAPTER 7: FORT HILLS (8:00)
• Mining sequence and lease map
• Bitumen Production
• Product dilution
• Tailings reclamation
• Near-term production forecast
CHAPTER 8: FUTURE OUTLOOK (6:45)
• Mine replacement projects
• Process plant debottlenecking projects
• Approved brownfield expansions
• Greenfield expansion
• Historical production profile
• Forecast to 2030
FAQs
WHAT IS THE COURSE FORMAT?
Each lesson is presented in video format. Additional charts, graphs and flowsheets are included in the slide decks. A transcript of the videos, references, and links to further reading material is also provided as a PDF download.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE?
All 14 videos take 2 hrs 10min to complete, but you can go at your own pace. Each time you login, you can continue where you left off. You can also go back and review the previous lessons, as needed.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE?
Course is open for 30-days after registration. If you need more time, please contact us.
WHAT KIND OF BACKGROUND OR EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
This course is suitable for all levels, and is intended to provide an overview of all six mining operations in the oil sands, and key differences between the operators. No previous knowledge is required.
CAN I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE UPON COURSE COMPLETION?
Once all chapters are completed, a downloadable “Certificate of Completion” will appear on the left sidebar.
DO YOU OFFER CORPORATE DISCOUNTS?
Yes. Please contact us and let us know how many users you need, and the desired timeframe for completion.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
No problem — just send us an email!