Method and apparatus thereof to separate aluminum from aluminum-containing source material, such as fly ash, includes preparing a slurry of the source material and water in an agitation tank and adding a leaching reactant to the slurry in an amount dependent on the amount of aluminum in the source material. After agitation, transferring the mixture to a settling pond. After settling, transferring the liquid as a pregnant solution to an electric cell. Treating the pregnant solution in the electric cell by applying an electrical current that is periodically reversed as the pregnant solution passes between at least two metal plates in the electric cell. Collecting the treated solution in a cone bottom tank and separating aluminum particles from the treated solution using a filter press. Drying the particulate aluminum and pressing the aluminum into solid shapes.