We are deeply saddened by the fatality at our Base plant mining operations on
The incident occurred when one heavy haul truck rear-ended a second heavy haul truck while they were both driving up a mine haul ramp. The two workers in the moving haul truck that was struck from behind were taken to hospital and released with minor injuries. The driver of the other heavy haul truck did not survive. We continue to investigate this incident with a focus on the actions required to prevent such a devastating result from reoccurring.
In the second half of December, there were two separate operational incidents: one at the Syncrude mine and the other at the Firebag in situ operation. We have completed preliminary assessments and this news release summarizes the related issues and impacts, as currently known, and outlines the corrective actions we are undertaking.
The Syncrude and Firebag operational incidents negatively impacted production by approximately 195,000 barrels per day (bbls/d) during the latter half of December. As a result, 2021 annual production was 732,000 bbls/d or approximately 1% below our guidance range of 740,000 bbls/d.
We have resolved the immediate operational issues and the assets have returned to normal production levels.
Syncrude
Mid December, 2021 failures occurred in the chains driving the two crushers at the
The team has completed work to ensure both crushers are operational, with only one crusher required to meet volume requirements. We repaired the first crusher by installing the previous version of chains and the second crusher has been repaired and is scheduled for similar chain replacement in mid-February. Until then, measures have been taken to mitigate the potential risk of further failure.
Firebag
On
Production Impacts
In Q4 2021, average production was reduced by approximately 35,000 bbls/d and annual 2021 production was reduced by approximately 8,000 bbls/d as a result of these outages at the end of the year. The fourth quarter utilization rates for Firebag and Syncrude were 93% and 90% respectively. For the full year, 2021 utilization at Firebag was 96% and the utilization at Syncrude was 83%.
As of
'I am deeply saddened by the fatality at our Base plant mine. This, along with the operational incidents we experienced in December are not acceptable. Further work is required to keep our workers safe and ensure we are consistently reliable, particularly in extreme weather conditions. I am deeply disappointed by these events and I am committed to implementing corrective actions, continuing to strengthen our processes and accountability, and to improving Suncor's performance,' said
Legal Advisory - Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively referred to herein as 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable Canadian and
Forward-looking statements are based on Suncor's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions that were made by the company in light of its information available at the time the statement was made and consider Suncor's experience and its perception of historical trends.
Forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to Suncor. Suncor's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements, so readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them.
Suncor's Annual Information Form and Annual Report to Shareholders, each dated
Contact:
Tel: 1-833-296-4570
Email: media@suncor.com
(C) 2022 Electronic News Publishing, source