Reclamation & Landscape Recovery
Progressive reclamation, tailings landscapes, certification, wetlands and long-term monitoring.
How progressive reclamation connects to water management
Progressive reclamation means reclaiming areas when they are no longer needed instead of postponing all work until final closure.
Reclaimed tailings landscapes: achievements and limits
Some former tailings areas have been reclaimed, while the sector still has a much larger outstanding tailings inventory.
Oil sands mine reclamation certification
Mine operators remain responsible for reclamation until Alberta’s requirements are met and certification is issued.
Wetlands and landscape restoration
Oil sands reclamation aims to rebuild functioning landscapes that can include uplands, wetlands, drainage networks and habitat.
Reclamation research and long-term monitoring
Reclamation requires years of observation because vegetation establishment alone does not prove full ecological recovery.
Water-management and emissions trade-offs
Water reuse and treatment can reduce one impact while increasing energy or residual-management requirements elsewhere.