Extraction of Energy Resources—Exploitation of the Canadian Oil Sands

Wei Zhang

Mining and Mineral Resources Division, Department of Business Administration, Chinalco China Copper Corporation Limited, Beijing, China; Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

DOI: 10.4236/nr.2014.59046                

Abstract

Considerable reserves of oil sands are located in northernAlberta. Exploitation of these reserves has been instrumental in the development of theAlbertaeconomy. Mining and processing techniques, including “in situ” processing and surface mining/aqueous treatment, are presented. Oil assisted flotation and solvent extraction are discussed as possible future processing alternatives. Subsequent froth treatment and refining methods are described. The rapid expansion of bitumen processing in theFort McMurrayarea has drastically affectedAlberta’s economic, political and social policy. Corresponding strain has been placed on the regional ecosystem. A comparison between wind and bitumen as sources of energy is offered.

Keywords

Bitumen, Oil Sand, Solvent Extraction, Thermal Recovery, Wind Energy

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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