The flocculation of hydrophobic magnetite with gold was examined as a possible means of recovering fine (<10 m) gold particles. the effect of time, ionic strength, ph, potassium amyl xanthate (pax) concentration, impeller speed, gold size and magnetite size on gold recovery were investigated. recoveries of>95 per cent were possible for 1.5 - 3.0 m and 5.5 - 7.5 pm gold sizes. The effect of process variables on the flocculation process was explained by variations in the adhesive force between the gold and magnetite.