Abstract:Pyrometallurgy processes, including rotary kiln dry-electric furnace reduction smelting, direct reduction in rotary kiln to produce ferronickel, and reduction-sulfuration process to produce nickel matte, were summarized and compared with hydrometallurgy processes, including reduction roasting-ammonia leaching, high pressure acid leaching, for comprehensive recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite ore. Technical progress and cost of each process was compared. Bioleaching, microwave-assisted leaching, chlorination segregation, roasting-leaching, and a novel coupling technology to extract ferronickel and cementing materials by direct reduction were introduced.