The first study of pollution from unconventional oilsands mines has concluded that so-called in-situ techniques also introduce contaminants into the environment. In-situ mining involves injecting high-pressure, high-temperature steam underground to soften bitumen enough that it can be pumped up. 'There's a pressing need to understand how in situ releases contaminants to the environment, because it's going to be very different than surface mining. In-situ mines don't need large tailings ponds and don't create vast landscape disturbances as do open-pit mines, so they are often described as more environmentally friendly. "There's a pressing need to understand how in situ releases contaminants to the environment, because it's going to be very different than surface mining.

Source: CBC News August 28, 2016 22:08 UTC