This invention generally relates to a process for manufacturing a lithium selective adsorbent and, more particularly, to a process for manufacturing a lithium selective adsorbent using a recycled and augmented intercalation reaction liquor. An initial quantity of adsorbent precursor is intercalated with lithium using an intercalation reaction liquor to produce an intercalated layered aluminate adsorbent and a post-intercalation reaction liquor. The post-intercalation reaction liquor is decanted, and the intercalated layered aluminate adsorbent is neutralized to produce the lithium selective adsorbent. The decanted intercalation reaction liquor is reconstituted to a pre-intercalation reaction volume of the intercalation reaction liquor, which is recycled to intercalate a subsequent quantity of adsorbent precursor.