Shell recently released an update on the re-start of operations.

 

We have been able to safely restart production at a reduced rate at the Shell Albian Sands mining operations due to improved conditions, including air quality and weather. 

On May 3, operations at Albian were suspended to focus our resources on the safety of our people, their loved ones and the wider community.  These critical response efforts included providing shelter at Albian Village work camp and evacuation from our air strip for displaced employees, contractors and community members.

“Safe restart is important to our company and staff to allow us to contribute to the recovery efforts of the Fort McMurray area,” said Zoe Yujnovich, Shell Executive Vice President, Oil Sands. “Safely resuming some of our operations will help us continue to provide fuel to the firefighters, ambulances, planes and others dedicated to the response efforts.”

We will fly in and fly out staff to help resume operations over the coming days and weeks. Locally based employees may choose to support operations only if they are willing and available.

Background

• The Albian site remains safe and secure. The fire has turned direction away from our site.
• Air quality at site is being continuously monitored and remains at a safe level. We will continue to monitor.
• Our Albian village camp was opened to the public and sheltered more than 2,000 evacuees between May 3 and May 7. There are currently no evacuees being sheltered at Albian Village.
• More than 8,000 individuals were evacuated from the Albian Aerodrome on more than 80 flights between May 3 and May 7, via multiple airlines who have generously allotted planes and staff.
• Shell emergency response teams on the ground in Fort McMurray continue to support local and provincial fire crews and we are donating fuel to first responders in the region.
• An employee donation program has been set up with the Canadian Red Cross to be matched by Shell and the Alberta and Canadian governments.

Regards,

 

Ron Harry