Natural drying was investigated as a possible method for removing water from oil sand fine tails. Samples of fine tails were placed in beakers and their weight was monitored over the period of 54 days. The weight loss vs. time curves displayed typical drying behavior characterized by a constant drying rate period followed by a falling rate period after reaching a critical moisture content. Mechanical treatment, including forced air circulation and constant stirring greatly accelerated the drying process, while intermittent stirring did not. Addition of chemicals (sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide and lime) affected the visual appearance of the fine tails with very little effect on drying rate. Addition of sodium chloride produced a drying curve split into two separate constant rate portions, each corresponding to a different drying mechanism.