Surface mining of coal in Alberta has been practiced for the last century. Oil sand
extraction began 40 years ago. The associated operational reclamation techniques
evolved as a result of the changes in guidelines and regulations that occurred and the
research effort that expanded markedly during that time. This report identifies and
summarizes reclamation practices that have been used in the mineable Oil Sands region
and coal mining industry over the last 40+ years.
There were two main objectives for this document. These were to:
• Develop a comprehensive report that documents the operational reclamation
techniques relevant to reclamation in the boreal forest/mineable Oil Sands region in
Northern Alberta, and in the Mountain and Plains coal mines over the same period,
and
• Identify the progression of reclamation techniques over time showing how research
and experience along with government policy have influenced the development of
current reclamation practices.
This document is not intended to be used as a prescriptive manual for undertaking
reclamation activities, but is intended to serve as a reference insofar as it describes what
techniques and strategies have been used in the mineable Oil Sands, Mountain and Plains
Coal mining regions. It also provides references to applicable legislation,
regulatory approvals, annual reports, and relevant research and literature to guide the
reader to more detailed and specific information.