One billion barrels and counting: Kearl marks a major milestone

Kearl has reached a billion barrels of production, making a significant economic impact in Alberta and beyond.
Innovation, including developing one of the world's largest autonomous mining fleets, continues to shape the oil sands operation.
The milestone reflects the people and communities behind Kearl's success.

Article

2 min read

• Aug. 27, 2026

Some milestones are measured in years. Others are measured in barrels.

In August, Kearl reached a landmark achievement: one billion barrels of production.

For Imperial’s operation north of Fort McMurray, the milestone is more than a number. It's the result of more than a decade of problem solving, innovation and teamwork, powered by the thousands of people who have helped Kearl grow into one of Canada's largest oil sands mining operations.

“The achievement of a billion barrels of production is a proud moment for the team at Kearl and for everyone at Imperial,” said John Whelan, Chairman, President and CEO of Imperial. “Kearl represents the best of Imperial’s long history of innovation and ingenuity. And we’re not done – this operation continues to deliver industry-leading performance.”

“The achievement of a billion barrels of production is a proud moment for the team at Kearl and for everyone at Imperial. Kearl represents the best of Imperial’s long history of innovation and ingenuity. And we’re not done – this operation continues to deliver industry-leading performance.”

John Whelan

Chairman, President and CEO

A culture of innovation and partnership

This world-class oil sands mining operation has become a proving ground for new technologies that are shaping the future of mining.

In 2023, Imperial completed the conversion of its 81 haul trucks to autonomous operation, making Kearl home to one of the largest autonomous fleets in the world. Today, those trucks are directed by teams who are using machine learning, advanced analytics and other digital tools to improve safety, reliability and efficiency.

“This milestone represents thousands of people, over many years, who have helped build, operate, improve and sustain this asset,” said Jack Fraser, site manager at Kearl. “From operators to technicians, engineers to business partners and the communities who have shared the region with us, every one of them has left a mark on Kearl’s story.”

Relationships with local and Indigenous communities are foundational to Kearl’s success and underpin the site’s economic impact in the region and beyond. Kearl is one of Imperial’s largest sources of spending with Indigenous-owned business – spending that amounted to more than $1 billion across Imperial’s operations in 2025 alone.

Looking ahead

A billion barrels didn’t happen overnight. It took vision and thousands of people working toward a shared goal. And while a billion barrels of production is an impressive number, more important is the story behind it.

“Kearl’s legacy is one of providing the energy the world needs and continuously finding better ways to do so,” said John. “It’s a legacy we own with all of the people who have built and run the site, and the community partners that have worked with us along the way, collaborating to find new and inventive solutions that keep Kearl best-in-class.”

Learn more about Kearl.