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India.com
9 hours ago
- Health
- India.com
Best Men's Moisturizers
Video Courtesy: Myntra Moisturizing is an essential part of every skincare routine, and men's skin needs just as much attention. From lightweight gels to nourishing creams, the right moisturizer keeps your skin smooth, balanced, and hydrated. Whether you deal with dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity, there are options suited to every skin type. This list features reliable, effective moisturizers that absorb well and work across seasons. Each one is easy to use and available now on Myntra. Nivea Men Dark Spot Reduction Creme Image Source: Order Now Designed to target dullness and uneven tone, this creme hydrates deeply while helping reduce dark spots. Its non-sticky formula makes it perfect for daily use in all weather conditions. Key features: Enriched with glycerin to lock in moisture and improve skin smoothness over time Formulated for men's skin to tackle rough texture and visible dark patches Absorbs quickly into skin without leaving any greasy or heavy residue Provides a matte finish ideal for daytime application before stepping out Not designed for extremely oily skin types during peak summer months Clinique Moisture Surge Moisturiser Image Source: Order Now This refreshing gel-cream delivers up to 100 hours of hydration, leaving skin plump and dewy. A cult favorite for all skin types, it keeps moisture levels balanced day and night. Key features: Auto-replenishing technology helps skin retain hydration longer than traditional moisturizers Lightweight, fragrance-free formula suits even sensitive or acne-prone skin types Boosts skin's natural barrier with aloe bio-ferment and hyaluronic acid blend Makes an ideal base under makeup or sunscreen without pilling Comes at a premium price that may not suit every budget Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Night Cream Image Source: Order Now This niacinamide-rich night cream works overnight to brighten and restore uneven skin tone. Gentle yet effective, it's crafted for sensitive skin that needs both care and results. Key features: Powered by niacinamide to reduce dullness, pigmentation, and uneven patches Deeply nourishes skin overnight to support natural regeneration and clarity Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive or redness-prone skin Helps fade dark spots gradually with consistent nighttime use Takes time to show visible results and requires regular use Ponds Super Light Gel Image Source: Order Now Hydrate without the heaviness using this water-based gel that absorbs instantly and feels featherlight. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it's a daily essential for glowing, oil-free skin. Key features: Ultra-light formula suits humid climates and oily to combination skin types Infused with hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration and skin plumping Vitamin E nourishes and helps maintain a healthy glow through daily wear Big 300 ml pack offers long-term value for family or shared use Jar packaging may not feel travel-friendly or hygienic for frequent dippers A good moisturizer does more than just soften skin—it helps maintain long-term health and texture. With consistent use, it can prevent dryness, reduce irritation, and even support clearer skin. These options are non-greasy, easy to apply, and designed for daily use. Whether you're building a full skincare routine or just starting out, these moisturizers are a smart place to begin. All featured products can be found now on Myntra. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
10 Best pet-friendly spots for a fun day with your furry friends
Mount Nelson High Tea Pinkies up – and tails wagging! The iconic Afternoon Tea at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is not just for humans anymore. This pet-friendly experience welcomes well-behaved furry friends to join in the elegant fun - You, your fur baby, and a tea tray laden with delicate sweet and savoury delights, all set against the lush garden backdrop of The Nelly. Dress to impress (matching outfits encouraged) and enjoy a sophisticated afternoon that treats both two-legged and four-legged guests like royalty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Nelson (@belmondmountnelsonhotel) Massimo's Hout Bay If you're in need of the 'hair of the dog', why not shake it off at Massimo's in Hout Bay. Best of all your pooch can also grab a bite to eat too, as Massimo's has a dedicated dog menu. Deletectable treats to choose from include 'The Rock', which is a frozen hoof stuffed with chicken and butternut, and even a bone-shaped dog-pizza! Noordhoek Farm Village Noordhoek Farm Village is an all-in-one dog-friendly venue. The Café Roux and the FoodBarn are village restaurants that welcome dogs with their owners. The little shops, delis and cafes enclose a central grassy patch for the dogs to cavort on and charm passers-by. Human children are also welcome here and it is sweet to watch the friendships that arise between furry and non-furry children. Did you know: Noordhoek beach is only a 5-minute drive from the Village. It's perfect for grabbing a takeaway coffee from one of our restaurants, and a treat for your four-legged friend. Eden on the Bay Mall Like teenagers, dogs enjoy hanging out with other dogs at the mall. The Eden on the Bay mall is your destination of choice if you want to hang out with your pet at the mall. All the restaurants are dog-friendly, so you and your hound can take your pick where to eat in this beachfront mall, including the Fat Cactus and the Happy Folk restaurants. Alternatively send your spouse to do the weekly grocery shopping while you and Spot wile away the morning over a cup of coffee. Did you know: The mall is also home to Bergzicht Animal Hospital and they often host interesting workshops or pet events. Deer Park Cafe Maybe you want to savour your early morning coffee whilst watching your dog savouring the early morning smells. Let your pet loose on the Rocklands Road Park lawns in Vredehoek, whilst you sip your morning kickstarter at the adjacent Deer Park Café. Your dog can exchange sniffing gossip with his canine friends whilst you catch up with human gossip at the café. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deer Park Cafe (@deer_park_cafe) Thorfynn Restaurant Monkey Valley Take in the magnificent views of Noordhoek and the ocean, whilst sitting amongst the milkwood trees at the Thorfynn Restaurant at the Monkey Valley Resort. The restaurant is popular amongst pet-lovers as dogs are welcome on- and off-leash (if they behave themselves nicely) and the restaurant is set in such a tranquil oasis, sheltered from the south-easter and surrounded by trees. Did you know? Thorfynn's is named after a Viking ancestor of the resort's owner, whose family name evolved from 'Thorfynn' to 'Topping' over time. So while you sip a cold drink under the milkwoods, you're also soaking up a slice of Viking history. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MONKEY VALLEY RESORT (@monkeyvalleyresortcpt) Green Point Park There is always something for everyone in Cape Town, including cats! On a mellow Sunday afternoon, you can find walkers ambling along with their fluffy felines by their side at Green Point Park. Dogs are required to be on leash at all times (except in a special fenced-off area), so cats are safe to step out in style. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Green Point Park Cape Town (@greenpointparkcapetown) Company's Garden Restaurant Set within the historic Company's Garden in the CBD, this leafy oasis offers charming outdoor seating under grand oak trees, perfect for relaxing lunch dates with your pooch. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area, and water bowls are provided, making it an ideal spot for a calm, canine‑friendly meal. As you dine under the shade of historic trees, take in the century‑old botanical wonders - and keep an eye out for cheeky squirrels hoping for a treat! Did you know? The Company's Garden is South Africa's oldest garden, originally planted in 1652. Today, it remains home to the oldest cultivated pear tree in the country, planted that very same year, and remarkably, it continues to bear fruit after more than 370 years. View this post on Instagram Cecilia Forest Cecilia Forest in Newlands is a lovely place to go walking in nature with your pooch. The 4km hiking trail dips through both forests (so try some zen-like forest-bathing with your loyal companion) and fynbos. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail (and there are some areas where they are allowed to gambol about off-leash too).
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
32 Products You've Probably Been Putting Off Buying, So Let's Stop Procrastinating And Hit 'Add To Cart'
A lil' Stanley tape measurer keychain because you maaaay have been measuring furniture by stretching your arms out wide and making an incredibly (in)accurate mental note of their size. Honey, there's simply an easier way. It's this convenient guy. A set of disposable dental guards if you've been grinding your teeth down to nubs in your sleep. Each guard can be used up to three times, with no boiling, cutting, or molding needed. They are ready to go the second you're ready for them. Plus? They're one-size-fits-all vibes and can be worn on your upper and lower teeth. An adjustable cooling cervical pillow whose concave shape might help relieve and reduce the neck pain you've been waking up with because you've been sleeping on the same flat yet lumpy pillow for waaaay too long. A vegan and cruelty-free skin-tightening Sol de Janeiro body cream made with coconut and açai oil. Its caffeine-rich formula stimulates circulation for smoother-looking skin. A travel-size Bounce anti-static and wrinkle-release spray because you don't wanna walk around looking like you just rolled out of if you did. Because you don't wanna look like you're too lazy to if you are. Just spray, smooth, and tug! And if you're wearing that shirt for the third time this week (hey, no judgment!) this spray also works as an odor eliminator! A dog paw scrubber — just squeeze the bottle to unleash the antibacterial foaming formula within and get those dirty spots off Spot's paws. This is perfect for at-home and on-the-go use! Now, you don't have to worry about cleaning the floors after your pup tracks ickiness throughout your home. A light-up plug-in insect trap with an inner sticky glue card that is free of chemical insecticides, so it's safe to have in a home that also has kids and pets. This trap catches flying pests and keeps them hidden until you're ready to replace the glue card. A pack of Miracle-Gro water storing crystals so you don't have to wonder or worry about under- or over-watering your beautiful babies. Basically, you mix some of this into the soil, and it absorbs water to release later. A set of silicone Kegel weights because pelvic floor exercises could help you better control your bladder and have more pleasurable sex. After handling these weights for long enough, your pelvic floor is gonna have a six-pack and be able to do one-arm pull-ups. A moisturizing and exfoliating foot peeling spray to help get your feet in tip-top (or should I say "tip-TOE?") shape for sandal season. Formulated with aloe and coconut, this spray finds a way to be both effective and gentle. So, if you've got rough, dry, or cracked feet, add this to your weekly self-care routine. It only takes a couple of minutes! A Pikk-it hair-removal tool that'll help you pull out all the hair and fur caught in your vacuum head. Finally, you can more effectively clean your floors without secretly wishing your fluffy pet were born hairless. Reviewers also use this to clean their hairbrushes! A pore-control Anua heartleaf extract cleansing oil for gently and effectively ridding your face of dirt, makeup, sebum, and blackheads. This hypoallergenic K-beauty formula has soothing ingredients that won't cause clogged pores. You can even add it to your double cleansing routine! And if you like to double-cleanse, a TikTok-famous Anua cleansing foam, so you can treat your skin to a hydrating and refreshing experience. Because this formula contains triple hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and heartleaf, it can help exfoliate, soothe, and control sebum production. That may sound like it's doing a lot (cuz it is), but don't worry. Your skin won't feel stripped afterward. A three-piece hardshell luggage set to replace your current bent and battered set that's basically been begging to be discarded. They can even be stored inside one another like big ol' Matryoshka dolls. Each suitcase has a built-in TSA lock and reinforced grip handles for secure and easy travels. The Pink Stuff cleaning paste — a miraculous problem-solver that can help you get rid of stains, streaks, gunk, and dirt from just about anything. I'm serious. That pan you don't use anymore because of all the caked-on food you couldn't remove? The Pink Stuff's got that covered. Literally. Try it on your stovetop, your sneakers, your walls, your get the picture. A stainless-steel crack-weeding tool if weeds think they're being clever by growing in the cracks of your patio or sidewalk. This sharp, L-shaped tool can remove the entire root without you needing to literally dig around for it. It's also got a soft grip handle because taking care of your home's outward appearance shouldn't be physically taxing. And a weed puller with a long handle so you don't have to bend down to fight a weed's tough roots with your bare hands. Get your garden in tip-top shape! A quietly cooling Frigidaire air conditioner because you need saving from this summer heat. Also need saving from high electricity bills? Well, this AC is energy efficient, with eco mode (reduces energy consumption) and sleep mode (gradually increases the temperature overnight). An oil-absorbing face roller made using absorbent volcanic stone that'll soak up any excess oil so you can have instantly matte skin. No more dabbing your face with a million small oil-blotting sheets. A pair of chunky platform sneakers you'll wanna add to your music festival wardrobe immediately. And when you're not rocking out in the front row of a Chappell Roan set, you can still pair these with sundresses and shorts throughout the summer! A pack of 12 heavy-duty dishwasher cleaning tablets if you hate hand-washing your dishes so much that you've been ignoring the funky smell coming from your beloved appliance, as well as the fact that your "clean" dishes are less than sparkling. These eco-friendly tablets are designed to offer a super deep clean; they'll make their way to the pump and valve, spray arm, and filters to break down built-up dirt, grime, grease, limescale, hard water marks, and more. A pack of two flexible dryer vent cleaners because there's likely a bunch of trapped lint causing your clothes to still come out kinda damp. Use this to get all that gunk out, which will also help to prevent dryer fires! A breathable crochet swimsuit cover-up that won't cause you to overheat while at the beach. A Puracy stain remover spray formulated to safely and effectively get rid of those grass, blood, wine, chocolate, and makeup spots and smears from your clothes, carpet, and more. An easy-to-set-up pop-up beach tent with UPF 50+ protection, so you can enjoy the ambience of the beach without suffering the sun's self-righteous the sun and I have beef. Anyway! This comes with stability poles and anchors to ensure it stays put, even in sand. A bottle of Wet & Forget shower cleaner because you don't want to scrub your bathtub clean, which means you haven't cleaned it But with this, you'll just spray it on, wait 8–12 hours, then rinse it off. Super easy! A pair of fun jelly fisherman sandals that are low-key giving early 2000s pop princess on vacation. Because your loneliness ain't killing you no more, ya know? A pack of K-Cup cleaners if you haven't cleaned your machine in awhile and your coffee hasn't been tasting quite like coffee lately. Pop one of these nontoxic cups into your Keurig to give it the deep clean it's been needing. An SPF 30 scalp sunscreen mist since you probably forget that the top of your head needs sun protection, too. Formulated with plant-based antioxidants, this spray will also help nourish your hair and prevent UV-related hair color fading. A box of 12 extra-large washing machine cleaner tablets because no one wants to toss dirty clothes into a dirty machine; this double negative does NOT make a positive. These unscented and biodegradable tablets dissolve to remove any residue that may have built up inside your machine's pump, drum, tub, valve, agitator, filter, and hose. Now you can be sure your favorite blanket comes out smelling fresh! Some Glisten garbage disposal cleaner that'll foam up and scrub your disposal, leaving a fresh scent behind instead of icky drain pipe odors. A pack of four extra-large wool dryer balls to replace dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Not only will these help you save on drying time, but they'll also help ensure your clothes are softer and have fewer wrinkles.
Global News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Global News
How Canada's oil sands transformed into one of North America's lowest-cost energy producers
Giant shovels, driverless trucks and a dog-like robot have all helped Canada's oil sands companies including Imperial Oil and Suncor become some of North America's lowest-cost oil producers, driving down overheads even as the worst inflation in a generation pushed U.S. shale costs up. As the global oil industry enters a downturn due to economic uncertainty related to U.S. tariffs policy and OPEC+ pumping more barrels, Canada's oil sands industry finds itself in a position of strength. In the years following the oil price crash of 2014-15, international oil majors including BP, Chevron and Total sold their interests in Canadian oil sands. At the time, they classified the Canadian operations as among their more expensive, and therefore less profitable, projects worldwide. They directed their capital to cheaper oil production and favored U.S. shale for its quicker drilling time and returns. Since then, new technology and cost-cutting efforts have driven meaningful improvement in the industry's competitiveness that make oil sands among the cheapest producers, according to a dozen industry insiders and a Reuters analysis of the latest U.S. and Canadian company earnings. Story continues below advertisement While U.S. shale companies are responding to this year's oil price downturn by dropping rigs, slashing capital spending and laying off workers, the oil sands' position of strength means Canadian companies have made virtually no changes to their previously announced production or spending plans. Some Canadian politicians are now calling for a new crude pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's economy in the face of U.S. tariff threats. 1:33 As global oil prices plunge, Alberta's energy sector prepares The lower crude prices this year have little impact on the Canadian oil sector, Cenovus CEO Jon McKenzie said in an interview earlier this year. 'This is an industry that has become much more resilient through time,' he said. In one example, two four-legged robots— each nicknamed Spot because of their dog-like appearance — prowl Imperial's vast 45-year-old Cold Lake operation in Alberta, conducting routine equipment inspections and maintenance such as heat exchanger optimizations, and oil/water tank interface monitoring. Story continues below advertisement The Spots free up human workers for other work and save Imperial $30 million (Cdn) per year, the company said. Get weekly money news Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday. Sign up for weekly money newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Exxon-owned Imperial and its competitor Suncor have also switched to autonomous mining vehicles, eliminating the need to hire drivers to transport oil sands ore. The switch has improved oil output productivity at Imperial's Kearl oil sands mine by 20 per cent since 2023, the company said. Suncor operates a 900-tonne truck at its Fort Hills operation north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, which the company says is the world's largest hydraulic mining shovel. Suncor CEO Rich Kruger said the shovel's larger bucket and more powerful digging force deliver faster ore loading and less spillage. Oil sands producers have also made improvements in equipment reliability and performance. At Kearl, for example, Imperial has reduced expenses related to turnarounds — an industry term for the costly periods of required maintenance that often involve temporarily shutting down production — by $100 million (Cdn) annually since 2021. The company cut the time between turnarounds from 12 to 24 months in 2024 and aims to extend that interval to 48 months in future. Suncor credits efforts including standardizing maintenance practices across mines and improving management of site water to get more production out of existing assets for contributing to the company's $7 (U.S.) per barrel reduction in its West Texas Intermediate (WTI) break-even price in 2024 to $42.90. Story continues below advertisement This long-term focus on cost-cutting means Canada's five biggest oil sands companies can break even — and still maintain their dividends — at WTI prices between $43.10 and $40.85, according to a Bank of Montreal analysis for Reuters. That means oil sands producers have lowered their overall costs by approximately $10 a barrel in about seven years. Oil sands had an average break-even price of $51.80 per barrel between 2017 and 2019, according to BMO. In contrast, a recent Dallas Federal Reserve survey of over 100 oil and gas companies in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana found that shale oil producers need a WTI oil price of $65 per barrel on average to profitably drill. Back in 2017-2019, U.S. shale producers had a break-even price of between $50 and $52 per barrel. 1:56 Dramatic crash in global oil prices–Here's why Canada is watching closely Part of the reason that the oil sands industry has become so cost competitive is the nature of the extraction process. Story continues below advertisement Producing the thick, sticky oil that is found in the sands of Alberta is in some locations more akin to mining than oil drilling. Where the oil is very close to the surface, companies operate massive mines, scraping up huge volumes of sand and clay and then filtering out the oil. When the oil is deeper, companies inject steam underground to loosen the deposits and then use a drilling process. An oil sands mine has big initial start-up costs but once it is operational, it can run for decades with very low production decline rates. Canadian Natural Resources for example, at the end of 2024 had proved and probable reserves amounting to 20.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent in its portfolio, giving its oil sands mining and upgrading assets a remaining reserve lifespan of 43 years. The company's Horizon oil sands mine has been producing since 2009. Shale oil wells, by contrast, have low start up costs. Oil output from the wells, however, begins to decline within months. Prices have begun to climb because after years of heavy drilling in the top shale fields, the most productive areas have been exhausted. Drillers are moving onto secondary areas, so they have to drill more wells to achieve the same output and that has driven up costs. Canadian oil sands companies have also paid down debt in the past five years, allowing them to reallocate profits away from shoring up their balance sheets and towards rewarding shareholders with dividends and buybacks. Story continues below advertisement 1:54 Can Canada really build another oil pipeline? According to the Bank of Montreal, oil sands producers Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Cenovus, Imperial Oil and MEG Energy currently have combined net debt, excluding lease liabilities, of $33.9 billion (Cdn) after paying down a combined total of almost $22 billion in debt between 2021 and 2024. As returns grow, Canadian oil sands producers are an increasingly attractive investment for those looking to make money from the energy industry, said Kevin Burkett, portfolio manager with Vancouver-based Burkett Asset Management. '(Canada's oil sands) are not geopolitically risky, and they have some very appealing characteristics around productivity and costs,' said Burkett, who has shares of Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus in his portfolio.
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
How Canada's oil sands transformed into one of North America's lowest-cost plays
An oil sands facility seen from a helicopter near Fort McMurray, Alta., on July 10, 2012. (Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS) Giant shovels, driverless trucks and a dog-like robot have all helped Canada's oil sands companies including Imperial Oil and Suncor become some of North America's lowest-cost oil producers, driving down overheads even as the worst inflation in a generation pushed U.S. shale costs up. As the global oil industry enters a downturn due to economic uncertainty related to U.S. tariffs policy and OPEC+ pumping more barrels, Canada's oil sands industry finds itself in a position of strength. In the years following the oil price crash of 2014-15, international oil majors including BP, Chevron and Total sold their interests in Canadian oil sands. At the time, they classified the Canadian operations as among their more expensive, and therefore less profitable, projects worldwide. They directed their capital to cheaper oil production, and favoured U.S. shale for its quicker drilling time and returns. Since then, new technology and cost-cutting efforts have driven meaningful improvement in the industry's competitiveness that make oil sands among the cheapest producers, according to a dozen industry insiders and a Reuters analysis of the latest U.S. and Canadian company earnings. While U.S. shale companies are responding to this year's oil price downturn by dropping rigs, slashing capital spending and laying off workers, the oil sands' position of strength means Canadian companies have made virtually no changes to their previously announced production or spending plans. Some Canadian politicians are now calling for a new crude pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's economy in the face of U.S. tariff threats. The lower crude prices this year have little impact on the Canadian oil sector, Cenovus CEO Jon McKenzie said in an interview earlier this year. 'This is an industry that has become much more resilient through time,' he said. In one example, two four-legged robots— each nicknamed Spot because of their dog-like appearance — prowl Imperial's vast 45-year-old Cold Lake operation in Alberta, conducting routine equipment inspections and maintenance such as heat exchanger optimizations, and oil/water tank interface monitoring. The Spots free up human workers for other work and save Imperial $30 million (US$22 million) a year, the company said. Exxon-owned Imperial and its competitor Suncor have also switched to autonomous mining vehicles, eliminating the need to hire drivers to transport oil sands ore. The switch has improved oil output productivity at Imperial's Kearl oil sands mine by 20 per cent since 2023, the company said. Suncor operates a 900-tonne truck at its Fort Hills operation north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, which the company says is the world's largest hydraulic mining shovel. Suncor CEO Rich Kruger said the shovel's larger bucket and more powerful digging force deliver faster ore loading and less spillage. Oil sands producers have also made improvements in equipment reliability and performance. At Kearl, for example, Imperial has reduced expenses related to turnarounds — an industry term for the costly periods of required maintenance that often involve temporarily shutting down production — by $100 million annually since 2021. The company cut the time between turnarounds from 12 to 24 months in 2024, and aims to extend that interval to 48 months in future. Suncor credits efforts including standardizing maintenance practices across mines and improving management of site water to get more production out of existing assets for contributing to the company's US$7 per barrel reduction in its West Texas Intermediate (WTI) break-even price in 2024 to $42.90. This long-term focus on cost-cutting means Canada's five biggest oil sands companies can break even — and still maintain their dividends — at WTI prices between $43.10 and $40.85, according to a Bank of Montreal analysis for Reuters. That means oil sands producers have lowered their overall costs by approximately $10 a barrel in about seven years. Oil sands had an average break-even price of $51.80/bbl between 2017 and 2019, according to BMO. In contrast, a recent Dallas Federal Reserve survey of over 100 oil and gas companies in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana found that shale oil producers need a WTI oil price of $65 per barrel on average to profitably drill. Back in 2017-2019, U.S. shale producers had a break-even price of between $50 and $52 per barrel. High startup costs, but long lifespans Part of the reason that the oil sands industry has become so cost competitive is the nature of the extraction process. Producing the thick, sticky oil that is found in the sands of Alberta is in some locations more akin to mining than oil drilling. Where the oil is very close to the surface, companies operate massive mines, scraping up huge volumes of sand and clay and then filtering out the oil. When the oil is deeper, companies inject steam underground to loosen the deposits and then use a drilling process. An oil sands mine has big initial start-up costs but once it is operational, it can run for decades with very low production decline rates. Canadian Natural Resources, for example, at the end of 2024 had proved and probable reserves amounting to 20.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent in its portfolio, giving its oil sands mining and upgrading assets a remaining reserve lifespan of 43 years. The company's Horizon oil sands mine has been producing since 2009. Shale oil wells, by contrast, have low start up costs. Oil output from the wells, however, begins to decline within months. Prices have begun to climb because after years of heavy drilling in the top shale fields, the most productive areas have been exhausted. Drillers are moving onto secondary areas, so they have to drill more wells to achieve the same output and that has driven up costs. Canadian oil sands companies have also paid down debt in the past five years, allowing them to reallocate profits away from shoring up their balance sheets and towards rewarding shareholders with dividends and buybacks. According to the Bank of Montreal, oil sands producers Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Cenovus, Imperial Oil and MEG Energy currently have combined net debt, excluding lease liabilities, of $33.9 billion after paying down a combined total of almost $22 billion in debt between 2021 and 2024. As returns grow, Canadian oil sands producers are an increasingly attractive investment for those looking to make money from the energy industry, said Kevin Burkett, portfolio manager with Vancouver-based Burkett Asset Management. '(Canada's oil sands) are not geopolitically risky, and they have some very appealing characteristics around productivity and costs,' said Burkett, who has shares of Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus in his portfolio. (Reporting by Amanda Stephenson; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Anna Driver)
