The present invention relates to the process for extraction of lead from zinc plant residue containing 7.9% Zn, 1.15% Cu and 8.5% Pb with 10.7% moisture by dissolution of lead in brine solution followed by cementation with iron powder. Various parameters such as temperature and acid concentration, pH etc have been optimised during leaching and cementation steps. More than 99% lead is recovered in the leaching steps with an overall recovery of above 96%.