Syncrude Canada Ltd. has received regulatory approval from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board for its new $1.5 billion (Canadian) Aurora Mine oilsands project.
Syncrude said production will reach 260,000 b/d when the first phase of Aurora comes on stream in 2001. The license permits production of more than 300,000 b/d by 2005.
Project details
The Aurora project consists of two areas, the Aurora North Mine and the Aurora South Mine. The project is a four-phase development with the first two phases at Aurora North.
Each phase would have an initial production capacity of more than 6 million cu m/year of bitumen. The first phase of Aurora North is scheduled to begin operation in 2001. Aurora South is not scheduled for start-up until 2008.
In its decision, the board addressed the issue of regional development planning and said that this is necessary to ensure optimal recovery and protection of the environment. The board said it will begin discussions for a process to review regional development plans.
Expansion on line
Syncrude also opened a $500 million upgrading and debottlenecking facility Oct. 27 at its existing North Mine site, which will ultimately increase production to 224,000 b/d from a current 210,000 b/d.
Suncor Energy Inc. and Shell Canada Ltd., both of Calgary, each have announced plans to advance their timetables for oilsands projects. Syncrude declined comment on any plans to advance its expansion timetable.
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