Legal Header

Updated June 2023

 

Figure S3.1 shows the average daily production of crude bitumen in Alberta from surface mining and in situ projects.

In 2022

In 2022, mined bitumen production increased by 1.6 per cent to 257.1 thousand cubic metres per day(103 m3/d) or 1617.7 thousand barrels per day (103 bbl/d). The production increase in 2022 was buoyed largely by two projects, Fort Hills and Syncrude.

Highlights

Production data by project are reported in the ST39: Alberta Mineable Oil Sands Plant Statistics Monthly Supplement. The following are the 2022 highlights for mined bitumen production:

  • Mine production levels fluctuated throughout the year, primarily attributable to planned maintenance at several mining sites. 
  • Mine optimization was a priority for producers as cost reductions and improved productivity led to production levels close to historical highs for several mines.
  • Producers generated windfall profits because of relatively high oil prices. 
  • The Fort Hills mine ramped up production in 2022.  
  • The Syncrude mine delivered record bitumen production in 2022, as synthetic crude oil production ramped up and the interconnecting pipelines between the Suncor base mine and Syncrude improved efficiency and reliability. 

Forecast 2023 to 2032

A list of proposed projects considered in the forecast is included in the methodology section.

Mined production will continue to grow in 2023. By 2032, mined bitumen production is forecast to be 281.6 103 m3/d (1772.2 103 bbl/d). From 2023 onwards, the annual growth rate is estimated to be about 1 per cent, lower than the annual 6 per cent rate observed during the past decade.

Most of the near-term growth will come from existing facility optimization due to favourable market conditions and increased productivity. Over the latter part of the forecast, expansions and debottlenecking projects will contribute to production growth.

Expansions, pit replacements, and debottlenecking benefit from the reduced cost of using existing infrastructure, labour, and materials. Producers will continue to explore and capitalize on cost-saving opportunities.

No new greenfield mines are expected to be constructed and become operational within the forecast period. Based on the crude bitumen supply costs estimates for 2022, the current price environment and more stringent environmental policies will not encourage the development of new mining projects.

Learn More