Basic theoretical and practical problems in the dressing of Karelian mineral products are discussed. Experience in the geological and technological study of the main types of Karelian industrial minerals, such as feldspar, kyanite, graphite, garnet and ilmenite, is generalized. A geological and mineralogical basis for the technological evaluation of the
industrial minerals is provided. The extent of the technological study of the ores is assessed with regard for the modern concepts of the theoretical and practical aspects of ore dressing. Basic trends in the development of dressing technologies for poorly dressable ores that have a complex mineralogical composition are formulated.
A new scientific trend in the ore dressing theory – the effect of energy on minerals and mineral associations to intensify the process – is shown. The results of the study of directed changes in the properties of minerals, caused by low-temperature plasma and ultrasound, are presented.
Gas-liquid inclusions in the minerals are discussed from the point of view of technological mineralogy. Their effect on dressing is assessed. The results of the study of the removal of gas-liquid inclusions by thermal treatment, SHF-radiation, powerful electromagnetic impulses and radiation emission are discussed.