This work is concerned with the determination of leaching characteristics of titania rich slag by hydrochloric acid. This can be considered as an alternative to selective iron dissolution and insolubilization of TiO2 in the form of synthetic rutile. The relevant criteria for titania slag leaching in hydrochloric acid are studied, including the acid concentration, experimental parameters and solid/liquid ratio, which controls the acid/slag molar ratio as well as effect of reduction. Ilmenite or metalized ilmenite, when smelted/melted under thermal plasma gives titania rich slag and iron metal as products. Preparation of upgraded feedstock from titania slag depends on leachability of it by mineral acids. The data reveals that the optimum conditions involve working with 6 M acid with a solid/liquid ratio of 1/20 at room temperature for 1 hour, using slag ground to less than 74 mu m. The results will have significant impact on production of upgraded feed stock. (C) 2011 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.