Date:     Thursday 24 March, 2011.
Venue:   Normandie Hotel
Time:     11:30am - 1pm

Development of Trinidad

Trinidad's Tar Sand Resources

By

Herbert Sukhu BSc (Hons Min. Geol.) MSc (Pet.Eng) CEng. PEng. FIMMM  FGS FIQ (UK)

Mining Geologist and Petroleum Engineer

 Abstract

 The presentation provides a techno-economic evaluation related to the mineral exploitation, extraction, and processing technologies of Trinidad’s tar sand deposits for the production of synthetic crude oils (SCO’s) that may one day provide Trinidad and Tobago with an alternative source of energy. Approximately two billion (2 x 109) barrels of bitumen reserves are contained in surface and near surface deposits in the south-western peninsular of Trinidad.  Tar sands are defined as “the several rock types that contain an extremely viscous hydrocarbon which is not recoverable in its natural state by conventional oil well production methods including currently used enhanced recovery techniques.  The hydrocarbon-bearing rocks are variously known as bitumen-rocks, oil impregnated rocks, tar sand, and rock asphalt”.  The resource straddles sandstone reservoirs spanning an aerial extent of over 6,000 acres at depths no greater than 210 metres (700 feet).  A substantial portion may be exploitable by a surface mining/extraction type process. The economic and financial analyses of this project confirms that a projected capital investment required for this opportunity is in the order of  USD 600.0 MM  to USD 1.0 Bn to produce  circa 30,000 barrels per calendar day of 37.5 API O gravity crude for a project life of 25 years. Sensitivity analyses of 10 Case Studies (1 to 10) based upon oil prices between a minimum of USD 45.00 to a maximum of USD 110.00 generated favourable results.

Bio

An experienced minerals resources industry professional for over 25 years, Herbert's expertise lies in techno-economic interventions for developing mineral properties (related to petroleum, mining and process utilities infrastructure). A Chartered Engineer and Geologist, he holds a BSc Hons in Mining Geology from the University of Wales, UK, a MSc in Petroleum Engineering from the University of the West Indies, and a Diploma in Quarry Management from Doncaster University, UK.  His PhD thesis is on the Techno- Economic Evaluation of Trinidad's Tar Sands Resources for Synthetic Crude Oil production from the South Western Peninsular.

As a professional, He worked in several Institutions throughout his career, most notably, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (Ministry of Energy, Trintoc/Petrotrin, National Quarries and The University of Trinidad & Tobago), Government of Bermuda, and as consultant to mining companies in Alberta and Trinidad and Tobago. He has been actively researching tar sand opportunities for the past 20 years. He is a past president (2001 - 2003), of the Quarry Association of Trinidad & Tobago, past vice president (1991 - 1992) of the Geological Society of Trinidad & Tobago, and past president (1986 to 1987) of the Mineral Exploitation Society, Wales, UK. Herbert is the recipient of several Quarry Industry Awards.

Lunch will be provided.


You must RSVP via return email or tel no later than Friday 25th Feb, 2011 at 12noon
This is necessary for catering purposes.