Although extensively studied, consensus on the kinetics or thermodynamics of iron oxide dissolution has not yet been achieved among scientists. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of twelve different kinetic models in describing the dissolution of hematite (alpha-Fe2O3). In this study, hematite was dissolved in 0.6 mol/L oxalic acid at 50 degrees C to obtain kinetic data for modeling. In addition to the kinetic data, thermodynamic data were collected at 35 and 50 degrees C to discuss the dissolution mechanism. The Kabai equation and the first order rate law were found most suitable in describing the dissolution. The associated reaction rate constants were 2.0.10(-5) S-1 for both models. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.