Experienced Operator

The Syncrude project is an integrated oil sands mining facility that processes bitumen into a light, sweet crude oil. Syncrude Canada Ltd. operates the project on behalf of seven joint venture owners. Although a private joint venture, Syncrude adheres to corporate governance standards. A board of directors oversees the organization, chaired by Canadian Oil Sands’ President and CEO with representation by the other owners as directors. The owners also provide strategic direction to Syncrude through active representation on various steering committees, particularly the Syncrude Management Committee which interfaces with Syncrude’s executive to steward the project’s operations and expansions.

Extracting and processing bitumen from the oil sands is a complex, challenging business with the potential for high returns when operations are running smoothly. In a world where crude oil is becoming harder to find, the application of new technologies should help make oil sands development increasingly efficient. The operators that are best positioned to succeed in this environment are those with experience.

Syncrude is one of the pioneers in the oil sands, having been in continuous operation since 1978. Over that time, Syncrude has established a reputation as a safe, environmentally sustainable and innovative operator. Many of the technologies used today in the oil sands industry are patented Syncrude inventions, such as hydrotransport and low energy extraction.