Aqueous drilling fluid compositions include one or more di-functional carboxylic acids in addition to common drilling fluid constituents such as viscosifiers, fluid loss control additives, weighting materials, and other materials. In certain embodiments, the one or more di-functional carboxylic acids comprise dodecanedioic acid. Such drilling fluid compositions are particularly beneficial for use in drilling operations in bitumen-laden formations such as oil sands, where the drill cuttings will introduce significant amounts of bitumen into the drilling fluid. The inclusion of the di-functional carboxylic acids, in suitable concentrations, reduces the tendency of bitumen to adhere to metal surfaces such as drill string components, and enhances wellbore integrity and stability.
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