Extraction of nickel was studied at macro-level concentrations (similar to0.5 M) from solutions containing sodium sulphate/chloride using the extractants D2EHPA, PC 88A and Cyanex 272. Increase of sodium salt concentration in the feed solution (0-1.0 M) resulted in decrease in nickel extraction. This influence is more prominent with the extractant D2EHPA. At a given nickel: sodium salt ratio, variation in nickel/sodium salt concentration influenced the extraction. Temperature (in the range of 30-45degreesC) and contact time (beyond one minute) had no effect on extraction. The loading capacity of 1.0 M D2EHPA, PC88A and Cyanex 272 (70% neutralised) was observed to be 17.7, 18.2, and 18.7 kg/m(3) in the sulphate system and 20.74, 20.75, and 20.35 kg/m(3) in the chloride system. The extracted species appears to be NiR2. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.