Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

As a result of the current major increase in oil sands mining, new challenges are arising, in particular in environmental protection. One of the most important of them deals with tailings management. Indeed, the bitumen extraction process generates huge quantities of fine fluid residues, which are stored in ponds for extensive periods of time due to their very low settling rate. These tailings ponds represent a large threat for the ground and surface water network. They are also a hazard for people working or moving around as well as for the surrounding wildlife. Some tailings processing techniques have been developed over the years, but none of them has provided the desired solution yet, in particular in regards with Directive 074 on tailings management issued in 2009 by the Alberta Resources Conservation Board, which sets strong criteria in terms of tailings processing and ponds reclamation time. This project aims at developing a continuous treatment process for fluid fine tailings resulting from oil sands mining. It includes the design of a smart geocomposite combining the traditional filtering, draining and reinforcement capabilities offered by geosynthetics with an active functionality based on the electro kinetic principle. Work will also involve the development of peripheral systems for its deployment, electrical connection and power supply, the determination of its optimal operation conditions as well as field testing of its performance. This project benefits from a strong partnership of industry and research key players in the oil sands mining, geocomposite manufacturing and geotechnical engineering. It will allow the design of an innovative solution to current environmental concerns and requirements without significant modification of the mining operations which will facilitate the adoption of this new technique by oil sands operators. This project provides a unique opportunity to position Canada as a leader in tailings processing as well as strongly reduce the impact of oil sands mining on human health and the environment. It will also contribute to the progress of research on the oil sands, a strategic national priority for the Government of Canada.