Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the manufacture of purified phosphoric acid from phosphate rock. According to the invention, phosphate rock is decomposed by a mineral acid selected from hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or mixtures thereof. The dissolution liquor obtained is reacted with a calcium-containing compound such as calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate and fines of phosphate rock producing an aqueous solution containing monocalcium phosphate in an amount corresponding to between 0.4% to 5.5% by wt CaO. After the separation of the precipitated solids, the clarified solution is extracted by an organic solvent having the property to extract the phosphate component. The phosphoric acid is subsequently recovered from the solvent extract by known methods such as washing or distillation.