Bigger is better at open-pit mines at the top of the Andes or on the vast oilsands of western Canada, since miners spend up to 30% of their budget hauling.
One positive caveat: Prices for Canadian Heavy are discounted now because of the shortage of pipeline capacity for carrying heavy oilsands crude out of western Canada.
In the oil business, for example, Ceradyne is working to have its ceramics used to squeeze hydrocarbons from oilsands and tar, such those found in great quantity in Western Canada.