Abstract: Provided is a method for enabling recovery of metal element leaching capacity of a deep eutectic solvent used for leaching a metal element from an ore containing the metal element. A method for recycling a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent disclosed here includes: preparing a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent used for leaching a metal element from an ore containing the metal element; and bringing the hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent and hydrochloric acid into contact with each other. In the hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent, a hydrogen bond donor is a carboxy group-containing compound, and a hydrogen bond acceptor is chloride salt. The amount of use of the hydrochloric acid is such that hydrogen chloride is 1 mole or more with respect to 1 mole of the hydrogen bond acceptor.

Abstract: Provided is a method for leaching nickel from a nickel oxide ore that enables a nickel sulfate production method which is easily carried out with a small amount of waste generation. The method for leaching nickel into an organic phase disclosed here includes the step of bringing a nickel ore into contact with an organic phase. The organic phase contains a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent including a hydrogen bond donor and a hydrogen bond acceptor, and an organic acid. The hydrogen bond donor is an acidic hydrogen bond donor. The organic acid is a strong acid.