Process for preparing a large pore hydroprocessing catalyst

A process for preparing a hydroprocessing catalyst which comprises

• (a) subjecting a spent hydroprocessing catalyst comprising at least a hydrogenation metal component on a support comprising at least 50 wt. % of alumina and carbonaceous and sulphurous deposits is subjected to a thermal treatment at a temperature in the range of 200.degree. to 600.degree. C. in an oxidising atmosphere to remove at least part of the carbonaceous and sulphurous deposits from the catalyst,
• (b) grinding the hydroprocessing catalyst from which at least part of the carbonaceous and sulphurous deposits have been removed form particles with a particle size of 300 microns or less,
• (c) mixing the ground hydroprocessing catalyst with at least one additive, and
• (d) shaping the mixture of additive and ground hydroprocessing catalyst to form particles of a new hydroprocessing catalyst, wherein the product of at least one of the steps (a) through (d) is subjected to a high-temperature calcination step carried out at a temperature in the range of 550-1000.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to increase the MPD of the spent catalyst by at least 0.5 nm.