The Taguchi method was used as the experimental design to determine the optimum conditions for the dissolution of nonsulfide zinc ores in ammonium carbonate solution for high recovery of zinc, and to minimize the extraction of iron and lead. The experimental conditions were studied in the range of 35-75 degrees C for reaction temperature (T), 300-800 rpm for stirring speed (R), 2-4 mol for ammonium carbonate concentration (C), 30-90 min for reaction time (t), and 9-11 for pH (denoted as pH). The obtained optimum conditions from this study were T = 45 degrees C, R = 300 rpm, C = 3 mol, t = 45 min, and pH 10. Under these conditions, the optimum dissolution of zinc was similar to 92%. To minimize iron and lead dissolution while keeping the dissolution of zinc, three series of experiments, in alternative conditions, were performed. Total optimum conditions that obtained from this study were T = 45 degrees C, R = 300 rpm, C = 2 M, t = 45 min, and pH 11.