Cyanex 272 and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) were used for extraction of zinc(II) from sulphate solutions. Counter-current extraction-stripping process was simulated. The simulation enabled CYANEX 272 to be selected for the recovery of zinc(II) from acidic sulphate solutions. A higher selectivity of zinc(II) extraction was the main benefit of using CYANEX 272. Technologically significant conclusions could be arrived at only when process solutions with metal contaminants were used for the studies and several extraction-washing-stripping cycles were carried out. The studies of individual extraction and/or stripping using model solutions could be only considered as an initial step and were of a limited technological value.