The method of stochastically determined experimental design has been used to find the optimum conditions for the demetallization of high-viscosity crude oil from the Karazhambas field (West Kazakhstan). A generalized multifactorial equation has been compiled which makes it possible to predict the process of demetallization of high-viscosity crude oil. The ambiguous influence of a ＇＇red mud＇＇ catalytic additive to pyrite concentrate on the degree of extraction of vanadium and nickel into the solid residue has been established.