The complex mineralogyMineralogy of nickel lateriteNickel laterite ores poses challenges for existing atmospheric extractionExtraction methods, leading to a preference for high-pressure acidAcid leachingLeaching. Notwithstanding, decreasing nickel lateriteNickel laterite grades render existing pressure acidAcid leachingLeaching process less economical. In this study, a Milestone SynthWave reactorMilestone SynthWave reactor was utilized to assess its impact on cobaltCobalt and nickelNickel extractionExtraction at different leachingLeaching conditions. An increase in acidAcid (H2SO4) concentration from 0.19 M to 0.96 M led to ~ 64% and 99% Ni and Co extractionExtraction, respectively, at 40 min of leachingLeaching. At lower acidAcid concentrations (0.19 M), extending the leach time was beneficial, while at higher acidAcid concentration (0.96 M), little or no additional impact was seen. Citric acid–AcidH2SO4 leach rates were higher for Co and selective toward Mn than Ni and Fe. EDTA–Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)H2SO4 leachingLeaching was favorable toward Ni than citric acid–AcidH2SO4 leachingLeaching. NaCl–H2SO4 was preferential toward Mg dissolutionDissolution than nickelNickel and cobaltCobalt. Overall, the leachingLeaching behavior of nickelNickel and cobaltCobalt in the goethitic ore was significantly influenced by elevated temperatures and pressures.