Canadian Natural is conducting a portfolio of research to understand tailings geochemical processes and develop passive technologies to manage and treat tailings water at closure. The project’s technology combines advanced geochemical monitoring using a network of sensors to track water movement and chemical reactions in reclaimed tailings with a nature-based water treatment approach; a reed-bed wetland system to passively treat tailings water.
This integrated strategy is designed to enhance water and soil quality at closure, minimize environmental impacts, and provide scalable, cost-effective solutions for Alberta’s oil sands and other mining sectors. The project scope encompasses laboratory research and two major field pilots at the Muskeg River Mine: Pilot 1 is focused on advanced geochemical monitoring of reclaimed tailings, and Pilot 2 is focused on piloting a reed-bed wetland system for passive water treatment. The primary objectives are to deepen understanding of tailings geochemical processes, validate nature-based treatment technologies, improve water and soil quality at mine closure, and generate actionable data to refine reclamation strategies and support broader adoption across Alberta’s oil sands industry.