There are provided processes for purifying aluminum ions. Such processes comprise precipitating the aluminum ions under the form of AI(OH)3 at a first pH range; converting AI(OH)3 into AICI3 by reacting AI(OH)3 with HCI and precipitating said AICI3; and heating the AICI3 under conditions effective for converting AICI3 into AI2O3 and optionally recovering gaseous HCI so-produced. The processes can also comprise converting alumina into aluminum.
