. the mined ore passes through primary crushers to reduce the ore chunks in size and is then sent to rotary breakers where the ore chunks are further reduced to smaller particles . the particles are combined with hot water to create slurry . the slurry moves through the extraction process where it separates into sand , clay and bitumen-rich froth . a solvent is added to the bitumen froth to separate out the remaining solids , water and heavy asphaltenes