Is a new proposed Suncor mining project located too close to Fort MacMurray? The project would be located only 6 kilometres from the city, and some think that that is just too close for comfort. So far Suncor has met with aboriginal groups and municipal authorities in order to gain some feedback on the proposal for the Voyageur South Mine project. This project is intended to replace the North Steepbank Extension mine when the full depletion of bitumen occurs in the near future. The new project by Suncor is projected to produce approximately 250,000 barrels of bitumen each day and will have a 28 year lifespan. The exact size and specific area for the project has not been mapped out yet but the website for Suncor has a statement about the nearest permanent residence from the planned project area is six kilomtres from the project site.

According to the Suncor website statement about the proposed Fort MacMurray project “The proposed project will include soil stockpiling followed by mining operations, as well as ore preparation, primary extraction facilities, tailings management, and related pipeline, power line and road infrastructure. Progressive reclamation will occur over time.” There will be submission of an integrated application to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Alberta Energy Regulator at some point next year. According to Industry Relations Manager for the Municipality of Wood Buffalo Dennis Vroom “It’s challenging to make specific comments right now because we don’t know specific details of the project. Once the application is formally made to the provincial government, we’ll take it and assess it for potential impacts and go from there.”