The paper discusses the application of image analysis to multiphase mineral particles. The emphasis is on the development of automatic and routine methods which provide reliable data for the process engineer. Optical systems are discussed briefly, but electron beam instruments are shown to offer many advantages for the identification and discrimination of mineral species. Image capture and analysis procedures are described together with the application of the measured data to aid our understanding of the processing properties of particles of complex structure. Examples are given from studies of beach sands, silver minerals, flyashes, ore characterisation, flotation of base metals, grinding and liberation.