This study is presented to determine the optimization of the dissolution of magnesite in citric acid solutions by Taguchi Method. The effects of parameters such as acid concentration, reaction period, reaction temperature, solid-liquid ratio and particle size are studied. Because the desired characteristic for response has been the maximum magnesite extraction, Taguchi's 'the larger the better' performance formula is used. The optimum conditions for dissolution are found to be acid concentration 2 M, reaction period 120 min, reaction temperature 75 degrees C, solid-liquid ratio 0.125 g/mL and particle size -319 mu m. The experimental results exhibit that, under optimal leaching conditions, the extraction of magnesite can be 99.90%. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.