This paper is a summary, of the author's industrial experiences on the sele
ction and optimization of flotation reagent schemes for the recovery, of go
ld species. The trends given are a composite of data and experiences gained
on 24 different gold ores from around the globe. The primary, emphasis is
on the benefits of matching the associated gold mineralogy to a reagent sch
eme most appropriate for that mineralogy. Two general categories are discus
sed: the flotation of free or native gold species and the flotation of gold
associated with a variety of sulfide minerals. Important plant operating f
actors influencing each of these two categories ape presented with supporti
ng examples. Carefully matching reagent chemistry and appropriate operating
conditions to any given gold-bearing ore will not only lower the total rea
gent cost but, more importantly: can lead to measurable increases in gold r
ecovery.