Unearthing energy

As high natural gas prices continue to be the largest and ever-increasing cost for oil sands operations, the best hedge is a gasification strategy, says Catherine Lacoursiere

The global economy is increasing its exposure to Canada's oil sands - the world's single largest deposit of oil - as the demand for bitumen processed into crude oil grows outside of North American borders. China signed a number of oil sands deals in 2005, including one to buy half the capacity of EnCana's Gateway pipeline. In January, Japanese government and company officials toured the oil sands, seeking to make similar investments.

High crude oil prices are increasing Asian energy consumers'