Mining and processing system for oil sand ore bodies

Abstract

A process line for use in an oil sands ore body mining operation is provided, which comprises: a semi-mobile crushing station for receiving as-mined oil sand ore and comminuting the oil sand ore to a first size; a semi-mobile compact slurry preparation unit for receiving the comminuted oil sand ore and mixing the oil sand ore with water to form an oil sand slurry; and a semi-mobile solids removal assembly for removing a portion of the coarse solids from the oil sand slurry prior to extracting from the slurry an enriched bitumen froth.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A process line for use in an oil sand ore body mining operation, comprising:
 a semi-mobile crushing station for receiving as-mined oil sand ore and comminuting the oil sand ore to a first size;   a semi-mobile compact slurry preparation unit for receiving the comminuted oil sand ore and mixing the oil sand ore with water to form an oil sand slurry; and   a semi-mobile solids removal assembly for removing a portion of the coarse solids from the oil sand slurry prior to extracting from the slurry an enriched bitumen froth.   
     
     
         2 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-mobile crushing station is relocatable in about two weeks. 
     
     
         3 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-mobile crushing station is relocated about every year. 
     
     
         4 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-mobile crushing station comprises an integral rock crusher and discharge conveyor. 
     
     
         5 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein as-mined oil sand ore is delivered to the semi-mobile crushing station by means of mobile trucks. 
     
     
         6 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein more than one semi-mobile crushing station is used in an oil sand mine. 
     
     
         7 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-mobile solids removal assembly comprises a semi-mobile desanding assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-mobile solids removal assembly comprises a semi-mobile screening assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The process line as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-mobile solids removal assembly comprises a semi-mobile screening assembly and a semi-mobile desanding assembly.