9th INTERNATIONAL OIL SANDS TAILINGS CONFERENCE (IOSTC)
The UAlberta Geotechnical Centre is hosting the 9th International Oil Sands Tailings Conference (IOSTC) Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2026!
9th INTERNATIONAL OIL SANDS TAILINGS CONFERENCE (IOSTC)
Bringing together experts and interested individuals to address tailings technology and management in Alberta's Oil Sands Industry, the International Oil Sands Tailings Conference (IOSTC) offers the most recent developments in oil sands tailings and management to the international community through invited speakers and select technical presentations.
Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2026 | Fairmont Hotel MacDonald | Edmonton, AB
The University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre and the Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility (OSTRF) are pleased to announce the 9th International Oil Sands Tailings Conference (IOSTC) on November 30th – December 2nd, 2026 at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton, AB.
IOSTC brings together oil sands operators, consultants, regulators and academia to explore the latest insights and innovations in oil sands tailing management.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
G. Ward Wilson
Conference Co-Chair
Dave Sego
Conference Co-Chair
Heather Kaminsky
Technical Committee
Dallas McGowan
Technical Committee
Jen Stogowski
Conference Organizer
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
This year’s event will include invited speakers and technical presentations. We are accepting abstracts and proposals for speakers on a variety of topics.
Presentation topics can include but are not limited to those listed below. There is a strong emphasis on case studies.
Operations:
· Water Management & Seepage Control
· Tailings Processing, Dewatering & Alternative Deposition
· Tailings Planning & Modelling
· Operations, Dredging & Materials Handling
· Geotechnical Stability & Dam Safety
· Digital Tailings (Tailings 4.0), Monitoring & Data Infrastructure
· Worker Safety in Operations
· Engineer of Record, Critical Controls & GISTM Practice
Closure and Long-Term Strategy:
· Mine Water Release – Treatment, Standards & Verification
· End Pit Lakes – Science to Operations
· Geochemistry & Chemical Interactions
· Re-mining, Re-processing and Valorization / Circular Economy
· Closure, Post-Closure & Nature-Positive Outcomes
· Indigenous Partnership, Engagement and Co-monitoring
· ESG, Communications & Social License
· Policy, Regulation & Governance (Directive 085)
Prospective speakers are invited to submit their abstract to Jen Stogowski by May 1, 2026.
Click below for the full call for abstracts.
CALL FOR WORKSHOPS, PANEL TOPICS, AND SPEAKERS
Call for Workshops
The organizing committee invites proposals for full or half-day short courses that fit within the topics above. Proposals must include:
· the course title and intended length (full or half day)
· the presenters name and a short bio, including a description of prior experience organizing and delivering short courses or workshops
· the intended audience, including level of experience (eg. junior, senior)
· a course outline and list of high-level learning outcomes
Workshops will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
Call for Panel Topics and Speakers
The IOSTC 2026 organizing committee invites proposals for panel topics and speakers for the upcoming conference in Edmonton, Alberta.
We welcome submissions that address innovative research, operational practices, regulatory perspectives, Indigenous engagement, environmental performance, and emerging technologies related to tailings management.
Proposals should include a brief panel description, proposed speakers and affiliations, and key learning objectives. Selected panels will contribute to a dynamic, interdisciplinary program that fosters knowledge sharing and meaningful dialogue.
Email submissions to Jen Stogowski by March 31, 2026.
Still to come:
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Registration and Hotel Booking details
Please click on the conference year for more information and a digital copy of the Proceedings.
International Oil Sands Tailings Conference 2024
International Oil Sands Tailings Conference 2022
International Oil Sands Tailings Conference 2018
International Oil Sands Tailings Conference 2016
International Oil Sands Tailings Conference 2014
International Oil Sands Tailings Conference 2012