What exactly is "recoverable oil"?

Question

I have been hearing about "recoverable oil" and I also heard about Montana having more oil that Saudi Arabia but that article, didn't mention shale.... and I am wondering if Montana has oil, or has shale or coal, and if 'recoverable' has anything to do with this?

Answer 1

Recoverable oil is oil that is in a state or situation where it can be 'recovered' (= plundered) 'economically' (= at enormous profit).