Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a metal hydroxide comprising the steps of: (a) providing particles of a metal silicate; (b) mixing the particles with a mineral acid solution to obtain a slurry which comprises precipitated silica; (c) separating the precipitated silica from the slurry to obtain a remaining solution; (d) increasing the pH of the remaining solution to such an extent that a metal hydroxide is formed; (e) separating the metal hydroxide so obtained from the remaining solution; and (f) adding to the remaining solution obtained in step (e) an acid solution, thereby forming a salt containing solution, or (g) removing at least part of the base added in step (d) from the remaining solution obtained in step (e), thereby forming a salt containing solution.