Alberta’s natural resources provide countless social, environmental and economic benefits, and government is looking to expand the Alberta advantage by creating new opportunities for investment in silica sand production. Silica sand is necessary for many oil and gas production operations, and Alberta currently relies on imports to meet its needs.
“Expanding opportunities for silica sand exploration and extraction will create good-paying jobs for Albertans and support our province’s economic independence. These changes will allow companies to invest with confidence while still ensuring Albertans receive a fair return for the use of their public lands.”
“Silica sand is a critical ingredient in helping Alberta oil and gas companies in the Montney and the Duvernay formations. This oil, gas liquids and natural gas is critical to meeting demand in Canada and around the world. The more we can improve Alberta-based supply chains, the more secure this resource will be while creating jobs and opportunity.”
“Reducing our reliance on imported silica sand is good for business and good for Alberta. Streamlining regulations while maintaining high environmental standards means more investment, more jobs and more long-term value staying right here in Alberta.”
New regulatory changes are making it easier for silica sand producers to conduct exploration and extraction by reducing red tape, shortening decision times and enhancing accessibility on public lands. These changes will reduce the Alberta’s dependence on silica sand imports, create jobs and support economic growth.
“These changes will have significant impact on the ability to grow the industry in Alberta and provide security of supply for the oil and gas sector. Most of these operations are in rural Alberta, providing significant economic benefits and employment opportunities to the counties in which we operate. I want to extend my thanks to Minister Loewen, Minister Schulz, and Minister Jean, for putting Alberta first.”
As tariffs continue to affect businesses and workers on both sides of the border, the province is prioritizing the strength and resilience of Alberta’s economy by investing in natural resource development and Alberta producers.
“As a business that has been working in Alberta for over 50 years, we are excited to see this Alberta government continuing to support Albertans and Alberta businesses. We are experiencing increasing demand for our products and this new program will open up significantly more opportunity for us to meet industry demands and create more jobs for Albertans.”
Quick facts
- Silica sand is an important tool used in the production of oil and gas.
- In 2024, Alberta required 8.4 million tonnes of silica sand for oil and gas, with 12 million tonnes predicted to be required by 2035.
- Alberta currently produces approximately one-third of the silica sands it requires.