Agglomerated alumina containing product

A process for converting powdery aluminum dross into an agglomerated alumina containing product comprising:

• a) providing a powdery aluminum dross which contains aluminum values in the form of Al2O3, AlN, and Al(m);
• b) mixing the powdery aluminum dross with water to form a wetted aluminum dross mixture absent added binding material;
• c) forming the wetted aluminum dross mixture into agglomerates;
• d) introducing the agglomerates into a pressure vessel;
• e) allowing a spontaneous exothermic reaction within the agglomerates to occur in a pressure vessel at an elevated pressure and temperature with the formation of ammonia gas;
• f) allowing the agglomerates to be partially dried to form agglomerated pellets or briquettes;
• g) removing the agglomerated pellets or briquettes from the pressure vessel;
• and
• h) optionally, collecting the ammonia gas.