Ignoring any political ramifications I found this oil sand extraction and refining photo essay fascinating from an engineering and construction standpoint. Its an interesting combination of traditional large scale mining and refining operations with wastewater treatment and recycling tied in.
http://www.businessinsider.com/keystone-xl-canada-oil-sands-photos-2017-1
http://www.businessinsider.com/keystone-xl-canada-oil-sands-photos-2017-1