Shear-flocculation/flotation and carrier flotation are methods by which fine mineral values are aggregated and then recovered by flotation. The aggregates formed have better floatabilities. Without prior treatment ahead of flotation, significant quantities of fines are lost in tailings. An overview of the problems associated with fine particles is presented. Like froth flotation, the mechanisms of shear-flocculation and carrier flotation are governed by physical, chemical and geometrical variables. The present paper deals with the effects of these variables on shear-flocculation and carrier flotation, based on a detailed literature review