This report contains two sections. In the first section a limited review is presented and the preparation of the red mud based additives is described. The additives are characterized by composition and their catalytic activity in hydrocracking is investigated in a batch autoclave under an initial hydrogen pressure of 12 MPa at 435-degrees-C and 30 min residence time. A quantitative characterization of the products is given. Comparisons between the red mud additives and coke respectively a commercial catalyst are made.