This work aimed to fabricate magnesium zinc/hydroxyapatite(Mg–Zn/HA) composite via powder metallurgy method and to develop a mathematical model to predict the compressive strength of the composite using response surface methodology method. The effect of various mechanical milling parameters, milling speed(200–300 r/min), ball-to-powder weight ratio(5–12.5)and HA content(2.6–10 wt%) on the compressive strength of Mg–Zn/HA composite was investigated. The model shows that high compressive strength of Mg–Zn/HA composite was achieved when the powders were prepared with high milling speed and ball-topowder weight ratio and low HA content. The mathematical model was adequate with error percentage lower than 3.4%. The microstructure of Mg–Zn/HA composite with different process parameters revealed that fine microstructure was observed at high milling speed and ball-to-powder weight ratio while agglomeration of HA was found in composite with 10 wt% HA. The agglomeration of HA led to degradation of interfacial bonding strength between matrix and reinforcement phases and hence decreased the overall compressive strength of Mg–Zn/HA composite. Biodegradation test revealed that sample with higher HA content had more weight gain and there was more formation of hydroxyapatite. Mg–Zn/HA composite with 8 wt% HA was found to be the best candidate for implant application because it had considerable compressive strength and good biodegradation properties. This work aimed to fabricate magnesium zinc / hydroxyapatite (Mg-Zn / HA) composite via powder metallurgy method and to develop a mathematical model to predict the compressive strength of the composite using response surface methodology method. The effect of various mechanical milling parameters, milling The model shows that the compressive strength of Mg-Zn / HA composite was investigated. high compressive strength of Mg-Zn / HA composite was achieved when the powders were prepared with high milling speed and ball-topowder weight ratio and low HA content. The mathematical model was adequate with error percentage lower than 3.4%. The microstructure of Mg- Zn / HA composite with different process parameters revealed that fine microstructure was observed at high milling speed and ball-to-powder weight ratio while agglomeration of HA was found in composite with 10 wt% HA. The agglomeration of HA led t o degradation of interfacial bonding strength between matrix and reinforcement tissues and subsequently decreased the overall compressive strength of Mg-Zn / HA composite. Biodegradation test revealed that sample with higher HA content had more weight gain and there was more formation of hydroxyapatite. Mg-Zn / HA composite with 8 wt% HA was found to be the best candidate for implant application because it had substantial compressive strength and good biodegradation properties.