Electroslag refining (ESR) is a process already well established for ferrous materials. In view of its obvious potential for improving material behaviour for critical applications, an attempt has been made to study the possibility of using ESR for a selected aluminium alloy (corresponding to the Indian Specification IS:7670). This paper outlines the difficulties involved in applying ESR to aluminium alloys and highlights the need for careful selection of slag composition. The mode of solidification and features of the macrostructure of the material refined with a halide slag are then correlated with the slag characteristics.