The adsorption mechanisms of collectors in flotation of oxide and silicate minerals are reviewed. Physisorption of collectors on the surface of oxide minerals occurs at pH range where the surface is oppositely charged to collectorions. On the other hand, physisorption of collectors on the surface of sheet silicate minerals is complex because the edge of the crystal is oppositely charged to the face of the crystal under certain conditions. In fine particles flotation, chemisorption of collectors helps to improve flotation recovery of oxide minerals. Some examples of chemisorbing collectors is presented. Furthermore, the actions of modifiers in oxide and silicate mineral flotation are discussed.