In this study, the most appropriate organic phase for the selective extraction of Zn(II) from Australian hot-dip galvanizing effluent streams has been determined. TBP (tributyl phosphate) and Hostarex A226 (diisotridecylamine) were identified as the most favourable for the extraction of zinc ions from a chloride matrix. Two alternatives, Hostarex A324 (tri-iso-octlyamine) and Hostarex A327 (tri-n-octyl/n-decylamine), were also tested. Laboratory scale shake tests were conducted using model solutions containing a range of acid concentrations and zinc concentrations up to 80 g/L. Industrial pickling effluent was used to test the effect of impurities present. The use of TBP was confirmed as the most appropriate extractant.