Total to alter Joslyn plans
NORVAL SCOTT
November 10, 2007
CALGARY -- French energy giant Total SA is re-evaluating strategy at its Joslyn oil sands development, with a view to doing more mining of the resource than previously expected, according to the junior partner in the project.
Total is developing Joslyn in two parts: a large oil sands mine, the first stage of which should be completed in 2013, as well as a smaller, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) project, which involves pumping steam via wells into the reservoir to make the oil move, allowing its extraction. Commercial production from the SAGD element of Joslyn was expected in 2008.
So far, test results from the SAGD operations haven't lived up to expectations, according to Calgary-based Enerplus Resources Fund, which owns a 15-per-cent stake in Joslyn. As a result, no new SAGD well pairs will be drilled until at least 2009.
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