We know that oil sands mining disturbs the land —­­ but not forever. Good land management practices are key to Suncor's overall vision of responsible development. Our goal is to do this work better and faster.

Reclaiming the land to support vegetation and wildlife

• Wherever lands are disturbed by development, Suncor pursues progressive reclamation efforts, including reclaiming tailings ponds.
• While we begin the reclamation process as soon as operations are complete, the detailed planning for this work begins long before development begins.
• Our first tailings pond has been transformed into solid ground that can support vegetation and wildlife — another industry-first milestone.
• Thanks to emerging Tailings Reduction Operations (TRO_TM) technique Suncor developed, future mining operations will require less pond capacity and existing ponds will be reclaimed decades sooner.

Reducing our footprint

• Suncor is investing significantly in current and future in situ operations, which use only about 15% of the land normally disturbed by oil sands mining and do not
  produce tailings.
• Suncor uses specialized equipment to build low-impact seismic lines.
• We work closely with neighbouring companies to reduce the cumulative effects of development and to promote best practices and scientific research.
• Suncor supports a number of research and conservation efforts by regional and non-profit multi-stakeholder groups.

Learn more about Land and Biodiversity in the Suncor 2012 Sustainability Report