Total Begins Surmont Oil Sands Production

Total has announced the start-up of commercial production at the Surmont Project in Alberta's oil sands, Canada.

The first phase of the project has a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day and is expected to reach plateau production by 2012.

Second phase production is slated for start-up before the middle of the next decade.

Total holds a 50% interest in the project, which is operated by ConocoPhillips.

By staff writer