How has the business of managing water in the oilsands mining industry evolved?
MR: Over the years, all the companies practicing open-pit mining have taken steps to minimize water withdrawals from the Athabasca River. The main focus has been on recycling, conservation, and reuse. AWL: Where in the process does water from the river come into play? MR: There are five areas where fresh water is used. First, as potable water for people to drink and exist. Second, to make boiler feedwater for steam generation (water needs to be pure to generate steam). Third, for cooling (many of the processes generate heat, and have to be cooled). In those operations that use cooling towers, 40 per cent of the water is returned immediately to the environment through evaporation. The fourth use is for utility water—to wash roads, trucks, floors, etc. And finally, the use we hope to never have to use—to fight fires. After those processes, it ends up as wastewater, and is recycled for extraction. AWL: What challenges do oilsands mining companies face when it comes to water use? MR: The c
