The best processing methods for recovering gold are determined essentially by the mineralogy and particle size distribution of the gold. Therefore detailed and quantitative mineralogical work is essential for process optimization. This paper describes the process mineralogical study carried out for pilot testwork feed and products of Jokisivu gold ore. The occurrence of coarse and liberated gold particles favors gravity separation, the ensuing bulk sulfide flotation recovering the remaining sulfides. The gold lost in the tailings occurs mainly as fine-grained inclusions in silicates and also rarely as coarse grains that by-passed the gravity circuit and did not float. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.