A process for processing a lignocellulosic material comprising the steps of a) contacting a lignocellulosic material at a temperature in the range from equal to or more than 120 °C to equal to or less than 210°C with an aqueous acid solution containing one or more inorganic acids and having a pH in the range from equal to or more than 1.8 to equal to or less than 4.0 to produce a mixture, containing pretreated lignocellulosic material and aqueous acid solution, having an overall pH in the range from equal to or more than 3.0 to equal to or less than 4.5; b) contacting at least part of the mixture produced in step a) with a base to produce a neutralized mixture containing neutralized pretreated lignocellulosic material and one or more insoluble salts.