As far as I understand, the ilmenite concentration in the...

As far as I understand, the ilmenite concentration in the Athabasca oil sands varies considerably. Some deposits might make it worthwhile to concentrate the ilmenite for TiO2 production, but I would have thought any value in the bitumen would swamp the TiO2 value, so it is the oil extraction that would drive any business case.

But then, once they have dug it up and done the oil extraction,they may as well upgrade what would otherwise be a waste stream if possible.