November 2025

The oil sands industry exists because of ingenuity, collaboration and persistence, a foundation that continues to shape its role now and into the future. Canada’s oil sands help strengthen the country’s economy by generating government revenue, supporting essential services and creating jobs. Oil fuels modern life and is instrumental to the creation of products and materials people rely on every day.

Oil sands are a naturally occurring mixture of bitumen, sand, clay and water. Because bitumen is thick and does not flow easily, it must be extracted using specialized methods. Getting from deposit to product is a multi-stage process for oil sands producers. The process includes:

• Exploration 
• Planning and approvals
• Construction
• Production (mining and in situ)
• Upgrading
• Refining, marketing and transportation
• Reclamation and closure

According to the Canada Energy Regulator, Canada’s oil sands produced 3.5 million barrels per day in 2025, reinforcing that they remain a secure energy source for the world. Oil sands companies continue to advance environmental innovation, including carbon capture and storage. The oil sands industry also collaborates with Indigenous groups, ensuring they share in the economic development opportunities that come from resource development. 

This fact book covers:

• The role of Canada’s energy sector and oil sands in supporting the economy
• What oil sands are and how bitumen is extracted and processed
• The history of oil sands development and the technologies that have enabled growth
• Environmental innovation, including carbon capture and storage
• How oil sands companies collaborate with Indigenous communities