Houston-based ConocoPhillips and French oil company Total SA recently announced plans to expand their Surmont oilsands development southeast of Fort McMurray, Alta.

The move would increase Surmont's output to 110,000 barrels of bitumen per day, up from 27,000 barrels per day - a fourfold increase.

Construction is due to start this year and be completed by 2015. ConocoPhillips did not say in its announcement how much the expansion would cost.

ConocoPhillips CEO John Carrig said in a release that this phase of Surmont will result in a "significant increase in construction and operating jobs."

"Accordingly, we are actively investing in research and technology development that holds promise for reducing the impacts on air, land and water. We anticipate spending more than $300 million in heavy oil technology research and development over the next five years to improve economic and environmental performance."

This is more GREAT news for those seeking employment in Fort McMurray's Oilsands - Get started looking for your Job Today!

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