In order to estimate beneficiation possibilities of high-magnesia oxide nickel ore from the Serovskoye deposit, located in North Urals (Sverdlovsk region), representative samples with different nickel content (0.79 and 2.7 %) were studied. By methods of X-radiography, optical microscopy, emission spectrum analysis, atomic adsorption spectroscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis, chemical and phase compositions were determined, specialties of structure and elements distribution in main ore mineral constituents — serpentines, talcum and chlorites, were studied. In accordance with the data, obtained in sounding of various areas of the explored phases (over 300 determinations of elements), concentration surfaces were drawn, reflecting Mg/Si ratio, iron and aluminum contents, affecting nickel distribution. The results of linear regression analysis of the ore phase constituents quantitative analysis data array verified the revealed regularities. It was established, that in the studied samples of the Serovskoye deposit ore nickel is concentrated mostly in serpentines and its concentration in talcum is insignificant. Nickel concentration in serpentine is mostly dependant on Mg/Si ratio, in talcum on aluminum content, determining presence of chromium-ferriferous spinel with high cobalt and nickel content. On the basis of the obtained results, a possibility of this type of ores beneficiation by flotation methods is suggested. Mg/Si ratio, as an indication that the phases in question belong to a certain mineral group, is recommended to be considered as criterion in estimation of nickel raw material metallurgical properties in selection of target metal recovery method.

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