An improved process for making asphalt involves incorporating tar sands
into a hot asphalt mix process and modifying the process. The improved
process involves using a heated asphalt counter-flow drum mixer to admix
asphaltic cement, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate. During this
mixing process, the admixture is heated to produce the asphaltic
concrete. In the improved process from about 20 to about 80 percent tar
sand is mixed with from about 80 to about 20 percent aggregate and from
about 1 to less than about 5 percent liquid asphalt cement in a drum
mixer to form an admixture, heating the admixture to a first elevated
temperature (e.g., 250.degree. and 400.degree. F.) for a set period of
time (e.g., 40 to about 90 seconds); and discharging the heated admixture
at a second elevated temperature (e.g., from about 150.degree. to about
350.degree. F.) to produce asphaltic concrete. Preferably, the aggregate
has a gradation of 10 to 25 percent passing a #4 sieve, and the admixture
has substantially no added fines.