Canada’s oil sands are the fourth largest proven oil reserve in the world
The oil sands are the fourth-largest proven oil reserve in the world, representing 159 billion barrels (or 98%) of Canada’s 163 billion barrels of proven oil reserves (technical overview). In 2024, oil sands production was 3.5 million barrels per day. Find out more about Canada’s oil resources and Canada’s oil production.
Oil sand is a naturally occurring mixture of sand, clay or other minerals, water, and bitumen. Bitumen can be extracted using two methods, depending on how deep the deposits are below the surface. Find out more about various oil sands extraction processes.
The oil sands will remain an important part of the Canadian economy
Canada’s oil sands are developed by the private sector, with major investments from companies based in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. As a result, the economic benefits of oil sands development reach across Canada and around the globe. An estimated C$366 billion of capital expenditures have been invested in the oil sands industry to date, with just over $12.4 billion in 2023 alone.
Natural Resources Canada is committed to innovation and responsible development in the oil sands
Innovation is critical to reducing the environmental footprint of oil sands development.
NRCan provides support for innovation in the oil sands by providing funding for research and development of new and improved oil sands technologies, and by providing scientific information and advice to government policy makers and regulators. Explore the oil sand science and research underway at NRCan to reduce the environmental challenges of development and production.