Desulfurization and demineralization by an aqueous caustic leaching method was investigated of an asphaltite sample from Harbul (Silopi, SE Anatolia, Turkey). The effects of different parameters, such as alkali concentration, time, and temperature, on the leaching efficiency were detailed and the experimental results are presented here. The caustic concentration varied from 0.1-1.0 M, temperature was 100-180 degrees C, and leaching time varied from 4-16 h. The removal of total sulfur and ash increases with increasing alkali concentration, leaching temperature, and time. As a result of aqueous caustic leaching, the ash content of asphaltite was reduced from 32.49 to 18.00%, and 76% of combustible was recovered. Total sulfur and volatile matter content was reduced from 7.02 to 2.68% and from 46.74 to 25.10%, respectively.