The scale formation and inhibition on the autoclave inner surface during high pressure acid leaching of laterite ore were investigatedThe composition and morphology of scale were analyzed by using XRD and SEMThe effect of surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate on the slurry properties was also studiedIt was found that the addition of surfactant could decrease the surface tension and viscosity of the slurryThe optimized content of surfactant was 70 mg·L-1 to inhibit scale formationThe addition of surfactant had little influence on nickel extraction.