The development of the lime-sinter process of extracting alumina from clay and the potential use of this method for beneficiation of Kansas refractory clays have prompted the Geological Survey to make further investigations of alumina extraction from Kansas clays. The Geological Survey's original studies of the soda-lime-sinter process were conducted under conditions of stress during World War II and were directed exclusively toward the ultimate production of aluminum metal. The present study tests the applicability of the lime-sinter process to Kansas clays and is directed primarily toward the development of high-alumina refractory materials with the possible utility of Kansas clay as a source of ore for aluminum metal as a secondary consideration. Laboratory tests indicate that Kansas clays are amenable to treatment by the lime-sinter process for both of these ultimate products, and that 80 to 84 percent of the alumina contained in the samples tested can be extracted as a high-grade product by this relatively simple process
