Syncrude Canada Ltd operates one of the largest open pit mines in the
world at Fort McMurray in northern Alberta, Canada. In 1993, Syncrude
mined and processed 131.2 Mt of oil sands to produce 67.0 MBbls of
synthetic crude oil (SCO). This represents approximately 13 per cent of
Canada's crude oil requirements. In addition to the oil sand mined,
Syncrude moved approximately 96 Mt of overburden ahead of the mining
operation in 1993. Since start-up in 1978, Syncrude has had outstanding success in
improving the safety and reliability of its operation. Much of this success
has been achieved by reducing risk through the application of new and
improved technology. This improved safety and reliability has resulted
in, among other things, very significant improvements in operating costs
and profitability. This paper discusses some of the technology applications that have
been introduced at Syncrude to reduce risks to people, equipment,
operations and the environment. Three specific examples will be
discussed in detail to demonstrate how reductions in risk have greatly
improved the operation.