Initial production from the company’s Firebag in situ facility had already began. Start-up activities are well underway at Base Plant and the MacKay River in situ facility and initial production is expected shortly.
The Canadian energy company moved more than 4000 employees and contractors back into the region, which includes Fort Hills workers. Another 3500 people are expected to be moved to support its return to operations.
Suncor said that its property at all the sites have not been damaged from the recent wildfire and all of its facilities had been enhanced with fire mitigation and protection.
A critical third party pipeline and power infrastructure needed for supporting the start-up has been restored.
Construction activities at Suncor’s Fort Hills mine have continued to accelerate and it is anticipated that the Fort Hills workforce will return to its full complement this week.
Suncor assures that it will continue to work closely with the province, region and industry and monitor and manage situations which include risk of fire, air quality and the return to the RMWB community.
Suncor’s operations include oil sands development and upgrading, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro-Canada brand.
