Abstract: Based on the research achievements of the Bio-metallurgical Engineering Laboratory, the progress in the research of the ionic exchange application in treating low nickel concentration complex solution system is reviewed.The paper presents the reaction principle of ionic exchange and the progress in the research of the application of chelate resins, cationic exchange resins, special inorganic ionic exchange resins and β-cyclodextrin included resins in the nickel ion enrichment and separation by hydrometallurgy and of the application of typical resins in low concentration biological leaching solution for nickel and iron separation.It is pointed out that chelate resins exhibit a good application effect and that research should be enhanced in the synthesis and application of resins and new resins that are environment-friendly and have high selectivity should be developed in the future.

Key words: Ionic exchange, Nickel, Hydrometallurgy