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The results are presented of zeta potential and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of natural pyroxene from the Merensky Reef, South Africa, which showed that when pyroxene is exposed to Cu, Ni and/or Ca ions in solution at alkaline pH a surface reaction occurs between the pyroxene and the hydroxy species, in the case of Cu and Ni, or divalent Ca ions, which affects the floatability of the pyroxene. After exposure to Cu and Ni ions at pH 9, addition of sodium isobutyl xanthate resulted in the pyroxene floating readily. In the case of Cu, the activating effect of the adsorbed hydroxy species can be reduced by the addition of complexing amines prior to sodium isobutyl xanthate., The results are presented of zeta potential and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of natural pyroxene from the Merensky Reef, South Africa, which showed that when pyroxene is exposed to Cu, Ni and/or Ca ions in solution at alkaline pH a surface reaction occurs between the pyroxene and the hydroxy species, in the case of Cu and Ni, or divalent Ca ions, which affects the floatability of the pyroxene. After exposure to Cu and Ni ions at pH 9, addition of sodium isobutyl xanthate resulted in the pyroxene floating readily. In the case of Cu, the activating effect of the adsorbed hydroxy species can be reduced by the addition of complexing amines prior to sodium isobutyl xanthate.