Oil Sands

ConocoPhillips’ bitumen resources in Canada are produced using SAGD technology.

SAGD involves injection of steam into the reservoir, effectively liquefying the heavy bitumen, which then is recovered and pumped to the surface for further processing. 

SURMONT

Oil Sands Operator: ConocoPhillips (100.0%)  

Surmont is located in the Athabasca region of northeastern Alberta, approximately 35 miles south of Fort McMurray.  

Surmont Milestones

• 1997 – Surmont pilot project begins with the construction of a small SAGD facility near our current operations
• 2007 – Commercial production begins at Surmont 1
• 2010 – Construction commences on Surmont 2
• 2015 – Surmont 2 achieves first production
• 2021 – Net production reaches 69 MBOED. The company signs a long-term commercial contract to process Surmont’s blended bitumen at a Diluent Recovery Unit (DRU) in Alberta, unlocking additional value for the asset.
• 2023 - ConocoPhillips completes purchase of the remaining 50% interest in Surmont. Read more.

Over the life of this multi-decade project, Surmont will provide many social and economic benefits to the area. In November 2021, ConocoPhillips Canada joined the Pathways Alliance, which has a goal to reduce GHG emissions intensity from oil sands operations.

Various factors, including regulatory approvals and advances in technology, may affect achieving our net zero ambitions. References to our emissions reduction efforts are for scope 1 and 2 emissions only. This does not include consumer emissions from using petroleum products (scope 3).

UNDEVELOPED LEASES

Thornbury, Crow Lake, McMillan Lake and Saleski  

Operator: ConocoPhillips (100.0%) 

ConocoPhillips holds other lands in the Athabasca region that contain substantial bitumen resources. These are assets upon which technology improvements has the potential of contributing significant economic and environmental benefits to the large resource base and add value to the company’s portfolio.