Abstract: A process is provided for the treatment of an alumina process feedstock prior to transferring the treated feedstock to an alumina process for extracting refined alumina from the treated feedstock. The treatment process includes: (a) heating the alumina process feedstock to a temperature of 400° C. to 650° C. by direct contact with combustion gas, and (b) cooling the heated feedstock to a temperature at which it can be handled and fed to the alumina process. The treatment process also includes controlling the contact time of the alumina process feedstock at temperatures in step (a) to ensure decomposition of alumina trihydrate and alumina monohydrate. The process also includes: (i) limiting the maximum temperature of incoming gas to a stage of the process in which the alumina process feedstock reaches the above temperature range of 400° C. to 650° C.