Remote Sensing Device

A remote sensing instrument developed by ARC and its partners for the oil sands industry has potential to reduce operating costs for a wide range of mining companies. The instrument uses infrared technology to map oil sand grade at the mine face, allowing operators to control the grade of oil sand sent to the extraction plant. The system can be easily adapted to different minerals and mining methods and has already been tested on nickel-copper ores. 

ARC, the lead participant in this PRECARN-sponsored project, developed the system with fellow participants MPB Technologies Inc. and Syncrude Canada Ltd. Last summer, ARC hosted workshop on the Intelligent Sensing System for the Oil and Mining Industries project, where it showcased the technology to potential users. ARC, along with its project partners, is currently pursuing licensing opportunities and is preparing a plan for commercializing the technology.

Alberta Research Council. Alberta Research Council 2000 Annual Report. Edmonton: Alberta Research Council, 2000 with permission from the Alberta Research Council.