Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing pulp which includes the step of adding alkaline salt of aluminate to pulp material to reduce energy consumption in the mechanical treatment of the pulp material, and alkaline salt of aluminate for use in such a process and pulp as produced by such a process. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides such a process for producing pulp at a wet pulp material maximum pH of about 8.5, and a process that includes the step of adding at least one pound of alkaline salt of aluminate per dry ton of end product pulp, and a process where the mechanical treatment is a mechanical refining process, particulary mechanical treatments that are at least a part of treatments known generally as refiner mechanical pulping and thermo mechanical pulping, and alkaline salt of aluminate for use in such processes and pulp as produced by such processes.