The invention relates to a method for processing laterite ores so that the metals contained in the laterites are turned into water-soluble form for the recovery of valuable metals, such as nickel and cobalt. Different types of nickel laterites are processed at the same time without being separated according to their iron and/or magnesium content. When laterites are pretreated with concentrated mineral acid so that the metals contained in the laterites react to form water-soluble salts, the silicates contained in the laterites are partially decomposed and postleaching liquid-solid separation becomes easier than it was previously. According to the method, the water vapour generated in the ore and acid reaction stage is utilised in ore drying and the unreacted mineral acid is recycled to the front end of the process.
