Innovation
Innovation in Technology
Finding innovative ways to limit environmental impacts plays a big role in meeting our energy needs responsibly. Canadian Natural is using and researching new processes that will reduce the footprint of the Horizon tailings pond and reduce the amount of fresh water required for bitumen processing. These innovative methods will also accelerate the process of reclamation and reduce CO2 emissions.
Since 2009, Canadian Natural has been testing a new process that adds carbon dioxide into the hot tailings lines. The injected CO2 creates a chemical reaction that allows the solids to settle more quickly. This accelerated settling enables the quick release of clear and warm process water for recycling.
In the next phase of development, Horizon is planning to capture waste CO2 from the upgrader for sequestration in tailings. During technology pilot tests, a total of 33,600 tonnes of CO2 were injected in our tailings during 2010.
Managing the Horizon Tailings Pond
In addition to our carbon dioxide injection program, Canadian Natural is currently developing and commercializing tailings technologies to help accelerate the process of reclamation. One of them is a Mature Fine Tailings (MFT) dewatering technology to produce dry, solid tailings. Another technology we are testing is a Non-Segregating Tailings method that removes the water from the coarse sand and the clay fines. The tailings are stored as dry deposits and the water is stored in a pond for recycling.
This technology investment and research is part of our Tailings Management Plan approved by the ERCB to meet requirements from Directive 074 for fluid fine tailings reduction and formation of solid deposits.
Our state-of-the-art bird deterrent technology continues to be an effective component of our tailings pond management by keeping waterfowl away from the tailings. No bird mortalities occurred at the tailings pond during 2010. Canadian Natural has involved the community of Fort McKay in our bird monitoring efforts with twice monthly inspections on the tailings pond and sharing data on bird activity.
In addition, in 2011 the oil sands mining industry initiated standardized monitoring programs for all tailings ponds to collect data on bird activity. This replaced previous programs that were not consistent between companies.
Learn more about our tailings management technologies:
Industry Collaboration: Oil Sands Tailings Consortium (OSTC)
Canadian Natural and seven oil sands producers have partnered to expand cooperation on tailings research and development. This collaboration reflects the companies’ commitments to socially and environmentally responsible operations. Bringing all of the companies’ scientific expertise together creates a strong foundation of resources that will lead to improvements in tailings management.
The OSTC has eliminated intellectual property barriers with a view to develop better solutions faster and accelerate the pace of reclamation. The companies have agreed to pool efforts and collaborate in research and development plans going forward. This is a key step towards responsible tailings management and compliance with Alberta policy and directives for timely reclamation of tailings.
Read more about our innovative projects:
