Manual 008: Oil Sands Exploration And Coal Exploration Application Guide Released

On August 19, 2014, the Alberta Energy Regulator released its 12 page Manual ​008: Oil Sands Exploration and Coal Exploration Application Guide which sets out the application requirements, processes, and expected timelines for oil sands exploration and coal exploration programs. As explained in the Guide's FAQ section, although the general rules and guidelines for these programs have not changed, with the formation of the AER, some of the processes have been altered. Consistent with the recommendations flowing from the Province's Regulatory Enhancement Project to attract investment to develop Alberta's resources (more found here), the Guide is an attempt to explain and streamline those processes so that decisions on applications can be made in the most efficient and effective manner possible.