A literature survey assisted in defining the role of CaCl/sub 2/ and limitations on its applicability to alkali reduction experimentation. Additional insight into the mechanism and parameters of heat exchange in the precalciner-type kiln systems has been gained from the literature search, which culminated in the preparation of the bibliography covering thermal treatment of raw materials. Experiments investigating the efficiency of alkali volatization from pure argillaceous minerals are underway. Initial results have been encouraging, as significant fractions of total alkali were volatilized even under the static conditions employed. Clay minerals were, rather surprisingly, more resistant to alkali removal than feldspars when CaCl/sub 2/ was used. This may indicate that their structure collapsed upon removal of some alkali, and that CaCO/sub 3/ should be added to the clay burns.