Reclamation & Closure
Progressive reclamation, landscape reconstruction, wetlands, certification, achievements and final closure.
The oil sands project lifecycle
Oil sands projects move through resource evaluation, approval, construction, operation, progressive reclamation, closure and post-closure monitoring.
Soil salvage before oil sands mining
Reclamation success depends partly on what happens before excavation begins.
Progressive reclamation during oil sands operations
Alberta expects companies to reclaim land when it is no longer needed instead of postponing all work until final closure.
Rebuilding landscapes after oil sands mining
Mine reclamation reconstructs landforms, soils, drainage systems and vegetation after industrial use.
Wetland and peatland restoration
Boreal wetlands and peatlands are difficult to reconstruct because hydrology, organic soils and vegetation develop over long periods.
Reclamation certification and financial responsibility
Alberta requires oil sands mine and in situ operators to reclaim sites and remain responsible until regulatory criteria are met.
Documented reclamation achievements—and their limits
Real reclaimed oil sands sites exist, but they sit within a much larger outstanding reclamation task.
Mine closure planning
Mine planning has to look beyond final production to infrastructure removal, tailings closure, water management and final landscapes.
Reclamation of in situ oil sands projects
In situ projects avoid open pits but still disturb land through well pads, roads, pipelines, borrow areas and central facilities.