Syncrude’s largest partner still expects to make its targets for the year despite the fire at its Mildred Lake Upgrader. Suncor Energy says it has seen strong production from its other oil sands assets and offshore operations this year, making up for the shut down at the facility north of Fort McMurray.
The fire on March 14th seriously injured one worker and caused damage that will take weeks to repair. Suncor says it has advanced its planned eight-week maintenance turnaround that was supposed to start in April.
Imperial Oil owns the second largest share of Syncrude, and says there are no shipments of synthetic crude from the operation at this time. However, production is expected to ramp up in stages as repairs are made.
Preliminary investigation has shown that a line failure caused an oil-based thinning agent to leak and spark the explosion and flames. At last word the injured employee was in stable condition at an Edmonton Hospital.