FIELD: technological processes. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to extraction of diamonds from diamond-bearing tool matrix. Method involves dissolving binding metal with electrolyte to form sludge containing diamond particles, separating electrolyte from slurry and recovering diamonds, wherein bonding metal is dissolved in sulfuric acid solution with concentration of 100–300 g/l with activating additives: nitric acid or ammonium nitrate, and extraction and classification of diamonds is carried out in an ascending flow with variable hydrodynamic mode at linear speed within 15–45 m/h. Concentration of nitric acid or ammonium nitrate is varied within 20–50 g/l, and process of dissolution is carried out at temperature of 60–80 °C. EFFECT: technical result consists in expansion of technical capabilities in selection of structural materials and elimination of losses of diamonds and valuable matrix components.