Orinoco Oil Sands

The Orinoco Oil Sands, located in Venezuela, are vast deposits of heavy crude oil embedded in sand and clay formations. Unlike lightweight oils, this bitumen is thick and viscous, requiring specialized extraction methods. Developing these sands involves energy-intensive processes such as heating and upgrading the bitumen to make it usable as fuel or in products like gasoline. The resource holds significant potential for oil production but also presents environmental challenges, including large water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the Orinoco Oil Sands are a substantial yet complex source of unconventional oil, balancing economic opportunity with environmental considerations.