Sub-Product

Oil Sands are a loose Sand deposit which contain a very viscous form of Petroleum known as Bitumen. Oil Sands are actually found all over the world. A typical Oil Sands deposit in Alberta contains on average about 10% Bitumen, 5% Water and 85% Solids, mostly in the form of coarse Silica Sand. Oil Sands also contain fine solids and clays, typically in the range of 10 to 30% by weight.

Figure 1 - Top: Oil Sands in-situ Extraction of Bitumen and Oil Sands Mining | Bottom: Oils Sands Process

Source: OIL SANDS MAGAZINE, Oil Sands 101: Process Overview