Abstract: It is described a process for extracting aluminum from aluminum-bearing materials comprising the steps of leaching the aluminum-bearing material with HCl to obtain aluminum chloride; separating and purifying the aluminum chloride; providing aluminum chloride to an electrolysis cell comprising an anode connected to a source of hydrogen gas delivering the hydrogen gas during use to the anode, and a cathode; passing an electric current from the anode through the cathode, depositing aluminum at the cathode; and draining the aluminum from the cathode.