The instant invention is directed to the preparation of a slurry catalyst
composition. The slurry catalyst composition is prepared in a series of
steps, involving mixing a Group VIB metal oxide and aqueous ammonia to
form an aqueous mixture and sulfiding the mixture to form a slurry. The
slurry is then promoted with a Group VIII metal. Subsequent steps involve
mixing the slurry with a hydrocarbon oil, and combining the resulting
mixture with hydrogen gas (under conditions which maintain the water in a
liquid phase) to produce the active slurry catalyst.