Nickel processing involves extracting nickel from its ores and refining it for use in various applications. The primary ore used is nickel sulfide, which is mined and then crushed. The crushed ore undergoes processes like flotation to separate nickel from other minerals, followed by smelting to produce nickel matte, a mixture of nickel and other metals. After smelting, the nickel matte is further refined through processes such as hydrometallurgy or pyrometallurgy. These methods help purify the nickel, making it suitable for manufacturing products like stainless steel, batteries, and other alloys. The entire process ensures that nickel is available for industrial use.