First OrCrude Synthetic Crude Produced

OPTI:

"OPTI Canada Inc. (OPTI) is pleased to announce
the start-up of the Long Lake Upgrader and production of its first Premium
Sweet Crude (PSC(TM)). The Long Lake Project (the Project) includes a steam
assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) project integrated with on-site upgrading
using the proprietary integrated OrCrude(TM) process, combined with
gasification and hydrocracking, that is expected to yield the highest quality
synthetic crude oil to come from Canada's oil sands with low operating costs."

"Based on industry experience, we anticipate that the Upgrader will ramp up to full design rates of approximately 58,500 bbl/d of high quality, 39 degrees API PSC(TM) and
other products in 12 to 18 months."

The break-even level for Long Lake OrCrude is above C$35 and the current price for Light Sweet Crude at Edmonton is C$46.