Kuparuk

Kuparuk is a large oil field located in the North Slope Borough of Alaska, United States. Situated approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, the field lies within the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR-A), a vast area managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Kuparuk was discovered in 1969 by Arctic Oil and Gas, a subsidiary of Atlantic Richfield Company (Arco), and began production in 1988, making it one of the first major oil fields developed in the Arctic region.

The Kuparuk oil field spans about 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and contains an estimated 5.3 billion barrels of recoverable oil reserves. The field is characterized by its heavy crude oil, which requires specialized extraction and processing techniques. Production is facilitated through a network of pipelines, including the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which transports oil from Kuparuk to the port of Valdez, Alaska, for export. The field also features a central processing facility, known as the Kuparuk River Unit, which handles oil extraction, water disposal, and gas processing.

Kuparuk has played a significant role in Alaska’s economy, contributing to the state’s energy production and supporting local infrastructure. However, its development has also raised environmental concerns due to its location in a sensitive Arctic ecosystem. Operators have implemented measures to mitigate impacts, such as reindeer herd management and wildlife monitoring, in collaboration with Indigenous communities and conservation groups. The field remains an important but controversial example of Arctic resource development.