Taking action on oilsands mine water

Press Release

May 19, 2026

Alberta’s government is taking the next step toward developing a long-term provincial approach for accelerating management of oilsands mine water and fluid tailings.

To ensure Alberta manages these waters and volumes safely, transparently, and in a way that protects downstream ecosystems and communities, the province is launching a series of engagements throughout 2026 to implement the recommendations the Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee brought forward in 2025. The recommendations included reuse and disposal options, consistent measurement and treatment standards, strengthened monitoring and transparency and pathways for pit lake development.

The engagement process will include Indigenous communities and organizations in Alberta, industry operators, federal partners, technology providers, environmental non-profits and northern governments to create policies grounded in science, community input and practical implementation. Feedback gathered during the engagements will help shape provincial approaches for managing oilsands mine water and fluid tailings.

“Albertans are counting on us to manage oilsands mine water responsibly, transparently and based on the best available science. Alberta’s government is committed to finding solutions that protect people and the environment while providing clarity for industry. This engagement process is critical to ensuring our policies reflect the full range of perspectives and expertise needed to get this right, now and for future generations.”

Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

“Alberta’s government recognizes that meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities is essential to the responsible management of natural resources. As we advance long-term solutions for oilsands mine water and tailings management, we remain committed to collaboration founded on respect, transparency and shared stewardship for the benefit of future generations.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

Alberta’s oilsands are recognized globally for responsible production. Industry has drastically cut freshwater use and strengthened science-driven reclamation, but with billions of litres of mine water still held in tailings ponds, the province’s requirement for progressive reclamation at these mines, and some mines nearing the end of their operational life, current storage capacity is reaching its limit.

This work reflects Alberta’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities, industry and federal partners to build a long-term, science driven approach to mine water management and tailings pond reclamation.

Quick facts

The Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee, established in 2024, evaluated technical, environmental and regulatory options and delivered nine recommendations to accelerate mine water management and tailings pond reclamation.
All mines produce tailings, which are a mix of water, sand, clay and residual bitumen created during oil extraction.
Alberta’s oilsands tailings ponds hold more than 1.5 billion cubic metres of fluid tailings and more than 380 million cubic metres of mine water, underscoring the scale of this complex environmental challenge.
From 2013 to 2024, oilsands mine operations reduced freshwater use per barrel by 19 per cent and increased recycled water use by 69 per cent.
Oilsands operators are responsible for site management and reclamation, supported by ongoing research and evolving best practices.

Related information

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