There are two main types of processing technology for nickel laterite, those using pyrometallurgy (using high temperatures to extract and purify metals) and those using hydrometallurgy (using aqueous solutions for metal recovery), as is the case at Ambatovy.

The industry-leading hydrometallurgical process ensures nickel and cobalt recovery in excess of 90%, high-quality product standards, low-cost production, and is in use worldwide.