Contest #141 answer: Athabasca Oil Sands, Alberta, Canada

This is the large tar sand mining operation in Alberta, Canada, run by the Syncrude company.

Basically what is happening here is that crude oil is reclaimed from the bituminous sand that is at lying the surface of the earth. This location is supposed to be the largest tar sand reservoir in the world with an estimated 170 billion barrels of crude oil.

syncrude1

These operations are heavily criticised because of the environmental impact as of toxic waste and CO2 emissions.

syncrude2

Right answers this week from:

  • ACG
  • Sarah G
  • Milosh, Serbia
  • Steve Jaycocks
  • Andy M, USA
  • David Kozina
  • hhgygy
  • Paul Franson
  • Taliesin