Innovation has been part of Syncrude’s DNA since day one. When we opened our doors in 1964 we had just one department— Research and Development (R&D). Every day since, science has been central to all we do. It’s the reason we’re one of Canada’s top corporate R&D spenders. It’s also why we partner with leading researchers like Dr. Sean Carey.
As a professor in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences at McMaster University, Sean has been a great addition to our mine closure research team. With his specialization in hydrology, he tries to understand where the water goes. He studies how this changes as we approach closure of the mines, while thinking ahead to how the ecosystem is going to look in 100 years.
Over the past 15 years, Sean has played an instrumental role in helping us pioneer reclamation science and technologies.
“Of all the companies I’ve worked with, the thing that stands out most about Syncrude is the value the company places on research and evidence,” says Sean.
Syncrude lets the science guide us. They truly are a discovery based enterprise.
dr. Sean carey
Sean points to South Bison Hills as one of the accomplishments he’s most proud of in his time with Syncrude. “In another 30 years, it’ll be hard to distinguish this boreal forest from any other one,” he adds. “It has been a real reward watching the transformation. We’re still keeping an eye on it, but it’s ready to be kicked out of the nest so to speak. We’re so confident that it will succeed.”
Syncrude’s partnerships, with innovators like Sean, show our dedication to working with the best and brightest minds to help return the land we borrow back to nature.
