Methods of characterizing and recovering the platinum group minerals are reviewed in this paper. First, a classification of platinum group minerals (PGMs) ore types is briefly introduced, followed by the introduction of some representative platinum group minerals. Second, the sample preparation techniques for mineralogy studies are presented, followed by a brief introduction of instruments used for characterizing PGMs. Third, the mineralogy of specific ores amenable to gravity, flotation and the flowsheet for recovering platinum group minerals in several mills of interest are discussed in details. Finally, new research trends of recovering PGMs and conclusions are briefly presented. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.