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Operations
Kearl
Emergency/Security: 587-960-1505
About Imperial’s Kearl operation
Kearl is considered one of Canada’s highest-quality oil sands deposits and is being developed using next-generation mining techniques. Kearl has converted its entire haul truck fleet to autonomous operation and is one of the largest autonomous mine fleet operators in the world.
Operations at Kearl began in 2013. The site’s past success and current strength are a testament to the skills, dedication and passion of the thousands of individuals who contribute to its operations.
Safety and emergency preparedness
Kearl has a fully-developed emergency response plan (ERP) that is tested regularly and supported by training and practice exercises, and ongoing communication with nearby communities. We will reach out to nearby residents if required during an emergency, or if any day-to-day operations could impact those in the area.
Environment
To responsibly meet the demand for energy we continuously look to improve technologies and practices that reduce our impact on the land, water and air.
Imperial is committed to complying with an environmental protection order related to industrial wastewater at the Kearl site. Learn more about the actions we are taking.
Land
Kearl’s leases occupy approximately 200 square kilometres (76 square miles) in the Athabasca region of northern Alberta. To mine this area, trees, bush and topsoil are removed to reach the oil sands underneath. Topsoil and other materials are stockpiled separately for later use in reclamation. After mining and tailings placement, all of the land will be reclaimed in a process that involves significant landform creations and contouring followed by topsoil replacement, seeding, fertilizing and tree planting. Using continuously improving reclamation techniques, the land will be reclaimed to a boreal forest ecosystem that meets government regulations as well as the needs of local stakeholders and aquatic and wildlife habitat.
Air
The energy we use to extract and develop Kearl bitumen is reduced by using a proprietary froth treatment process that eliminated the need to build an upgrader. Energy-saving cogeneration (to produce steam and electricity) also helps reduce the energy draw from the Alberta electricity grid and to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Water
Kearl has on-site water storage to eliminate river withdrawals in low-flow periods.
Kearl has two compensation lakes to connect to Kearl Lake and replace fish habitat disrupted by development. These lakes are deep enough to allow fish to winter in them.
Tailings
Tailings are the water, clay, sand and a small amount of bitumen that remain after most of the bitumen has been removed from the sand during the extraction process. These materials occur naturally under the surface of the land prior to being mined. Imperial manages issues associated with tailings until they are safely returned underground as part of our ongoing reclamation of the Kearl lease.
Community engagement
Involving local Indigenous groups and stakeholders in project planning has been part of Kearl’s objectives from the project’s inception. Formal consultations and engagement meetings are held throughout the year to update nearby community members on project status and to discuss important concerns such as water usage, land reclamation, business and employment opportunities.
Consultation is an important ongoing process and Imperial is committed to continuous dialogue with our neighbours in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay and Fort McMurray.
Contact information
We work around the clock, 365 days a year, to ensure that we meet the demands of our customers, follow through on our commitment to safety and continually engage partners in the Athabasca region.
Contact us via the following:
General inquiries
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