The carbothermic reduction of Al2O3 and mixtures of Al2O3 with Fe2O3, NiO, Cu and SiO2 was studied in argon and CO atmosphere, respectively. Furthermore, the reduction of bauxite and colloidal earth available for the direct reduction of aluminum was also examined. observed. Prior to the formation of Al-Si alloys, the reaction of the Al2O3-SiO2-C system in argon showed a simultaneous change of Al2O3-C and SiO2-C systems.