Opencast mine, Athabasca Oil Sands
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Opencast mine, Athabasca Oil Sands
Opencast mine. Aerial photograph of an opencast mine in the Athabasca Oil Sands, Alberta, Canada. This mine is operated by Suncor Energy. This company was the first to extract crude oil from the Athabasca Oil Sands, doing so in 1967. The oil-bearing sands are excavated, and then processed to obtain crude oil and bitumen. In 2007, Suncor produced more than 260, 000 barrels of oil a day. The Athabasca oil reserves are among the largest in the world
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6427689
© DAVID NUNUK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2008 Aerial Photography Albert A Athabasca Oil Sands Bitumen Bituminous Sands Canada Canadian Crude Oil Degradation Degraded Destruction Energy Energy Industry Energy Source Environmental Excavation Excavator Excavators Fossil Fuel Fuels July Land Land Use Machines Mine Mining Mining Machine Nonrenewable North American Oil Reserves Oil Resources Open Pit Power Industry Strip Mining Suncor Surface Mining Tar Sands Track Tracks
EDITORS COMMENTS
This aerial photograph captures the vastness and environmental impact of an opencast mine in the Athabasca Oil Sands, Alberta, Canada. Operated by Suncor Energy, this pioneering company was the first to extract crude oil from these oil-bearing sands back in 1967. The scale of this industrial operation is truly awe-inspiring as massive machines and excavators relentlessly dig into the earth's surface. The image showcases a landscape that has been transformed by human technology and ambition. The once pristine land now bears witness to extensive excavation, leaving behind a degraded terrain covered in mud and tracks. This stark contrast between nature's beauty and man-made destruction serves as a reminder of the high cost associated with our reliance on fossil fuels. With over 260,000 barrels of oil produced daily in 2007 alone, it is evident that this energy source plays a significant role in powering industries worldwide. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that such nonrenewable resources come at great environmental expense. As we enter the 21st century, images like these prompt us to reflect on our land use practices and consider more sustainable alternatives for meeting our energy needs. The Athabasca oil reserves are among the largest globally but extracting them requires strip mining techniques that have profound consequences for both local ecosystems and global climate change. This print from Science Photo Library offers us an opportunity to contemplate how we can balance technological advancements with responsible stewardship of our planet's precious resources.
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