Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and billionaire Warren Buffett toured Alberta's oil-sands region this week and were hosted by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and an industry group, the National Post said.

Gates and Buffett visited northeastern Alberta to satisfy their curiosity and ``with investment in mind,'' the newspaper said today, citing an unidentified person.

The Canadian Association of Energy Producers made a presentation to the pair, who saw the Horizon development, which will become Alberta's fourth major oil-sands mine when it begins production this year, the Post said.

A spokesman for Canadian Natural Resources confirmed the visit, which occurred Aug. 18, and declined to comment further, the newspaper said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kevin Bell in Toronto at kbell2@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: August 20, 2008 09:43 EDT