Thermal techniques, namely, thermogravimetry (TG), simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-DTA-FTIR) and thermomagnetometry, were used to examine the thermal behaviour of heavy-mineral tailings generated in oil-sand steam processing operations. The results will be used in the selection and optimization of a thermal process to remove residual bitumen in the tailings and recover the contained titanium and zirconium values. The recovery of heavy minerals from the tailings would contribute significantly to the environmental sustainability as well as to the commercial viability of the operations. The results of the study indicated that the residual bitumen can be removed by heating the material in an oxidizing atmosphere at about 600 degrees C. The product may then be heated to a higher temperature in a reducing atmosphere to decompose the complex titanium/iron minerals and later recover titanium values by separating the iron or iron oxide magnetically.