Mildred Lake Upgrader incident updates

Fire successfully extinguished at Mildred Lake Upgrader


Early this morning, Syncrude Emergency Services and Operations personnel safely extinguished a fire in the hydrotreating area of the Mildred Lake Upgrader. The fire had been isolated and under control since Tuesday afternoon.

“My deepest appreciation goes out to everyone who responded to this incident,” says Syncrude CEO Mark Ward.

his remains a difficult time for our organization, but I am proud of the tireless efforts of our employees to ensure the safety and stability of our operations

mark ward

Work is ongoing to fully isolate the impacted area to allow safe entry for damage assessment and the development of a repair strategy. In addition, this will enable both Syncrude and agencies, including Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, to conduct full investigations to understand exactly what happened and help prevent future incidents.

The rest of Syncrude’s operations remain stable, with several Upgrader units shut down or on reduced rates. Mining and extraction at both Mildred Lake and Aurora facilities are being paced to balance bitumen demand.

The Syncrude employee who was injured in Tuesday’s incident remains in stable condition in an Edmonton hospital.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; Mocal Energy Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For more information contact:
Will Gibson
Media Relations Advisor
780-742-5930 | gibson.will@syncrude.com

March 15, 2017: Update #2 – Mildred Lake Upgrader incident


Syncrude Emergency Services and Operations personnel remain on the scene of Tuesday’s fire. The cause has been identified as a line failure and naphtha leak in our hydrotreating area. The fire remains isolated and controlled. 

The rest of Syncrude’s operations are stable with several Upgrader units shutdown or minimized. Mining and Extraction at both Mildred Lake and Aurora are being paced to balance bitumen demand.

The injured Syncrude employee is in stable condition in an Edmonton hospital.

“Yesterday was a tough day for our organization and especially difficult for one employee and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague,” says Syncrude CEO Mark Ward.

Syncrude would like to extend its thanks to our industry and community partners for their assistance, as well as everyone who has expressed their support during this difficult time

mark ward


The safety of everyone remains our top priority as the response effort continues. Once safe to proceed, Syncrude will conduct a complete damage assessment and begin repairs. A full investigation into the incident will also be completed to understand what happened and help prevent future incidents. Syncrude is also working with all appropriate regulators and agencies.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; Mocal Energy Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For more information contact:
Will Gibson
Media Relations Advisor
780-742-5930 | gibson.will@syncrude.com

March 14, 2017 – update on mildred lake upgrader incident


Syncrude Emergency Services and Operations personnel have isolated and controlled a fire that occurred in the Mildred Lake Upgrader this afternoon.

One Syncrude employee was injured and immediately attended to by Syncrude Emergency Services prior to being transported to hospital for medical attention. Syncrude is providing support and resources to the employee’s family during this difficult time.

All non-essential employees and contractors have been removed from the immediate area to allow response crews to manage the situation. The appropriate regulators have been notified.

The safety of everyone remains our top priority and our focus is on responding to the incident.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Imperial Oil Resources Limited; Mocal Energy Limited; Nexen Oil Sands Partnership; Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership; and Suncor Energy Inc. (with the Suncor interest held by Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1 and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership, both wholly owned affiliates of Suncor Energy Inc.).

For more information contact:
Will Gibson
Media Relations Advisor
780-742-5930 | gibson.will@syncrude.com

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