The deposits consist of 180 multiplied by 10⁹ m³ bitumen in situ and cover an area of 70,000 km². Only 7% are classified for open pit mining. The climate with temperatures of minus 45 degree C during the winter and plus 35 degree C in summer, wind, ice and snow are a challenge for men and machine. The abrasiveness and oily characteristics of the sand cause material problems which could only be overcome through research and development programs. Two companies are presently mining in open pits. Both operators have to move high volumes of sand, bitumen and water. The mining methods are different - in one case using bucket wheel excavaters and in the other a combination of dragline and bucket wheel reclaimers. Both methods are described.