In this paper a parameter optimization technique is introduced involving a minimization algorithm. The technique is applicable to a wide range of problems involving data analysis. In particular, it is applied to the first-order initial-value problem describing the autocatalytic reaction of tar sand recovery process, as a result of which, the optimal reaction rate constants for a given set of experimental data are obtained. The analytical solution to the governing differential equation corresponding to these optimal parameter values is then shown to fit the experimental data. Numerical results are presented in graphical form for three different sets of data, and discussion and conclusions are provided subsequently.