The aim of this work is to analyze the mechanisms involved on hematite floatability using tetradecylammonium chloride as collector agent. The emphasis of the study is focused on mineral/collector interactions with the aim of optimizing the mineral recovery. In order to obtain better hematite floatability, the tetradecylammonium chloride concentration is relatively high in comparison with its corresponding critical micelle concentration (CMC) value, widely reported in the literature. The optimum was found when surfactant monolayer coverage was attained. Furthermore, if the zeta potential is close to zero or shifts to positive values the mineral recovery is enhanced, possibly due to the counter ions chemically adsorbed on the mineral surface. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.