Abstract: Process for high pH metal ion chelation in pulps. Extraction and removal of detrimental metal ions and organic solvent extractives prior to delignification and bleaching is carried out on pulp, preferably kraft pulp, at a pH over 5, more preferably a pH over 6, most preferably a pH of 7-9. Aqueous pulp is first brought to a pH of about 3-6 to cause chelation and desorption of metal ions from the fiber phase of the aqueous pulp, and at the same time implementing air entrainment and evaporation. The pH is then raised, and the extractable species are removed by dewatering and washing the pulp.