In this study, microwave irradiation is used to modify ilmenite surface chemistry to enhance the adsorption of surfactants and the air bubble attachment. The results indicate that microwave irradiation can increase ilmenite flotation recovery by 20%. A positron emission particle tracking technique is used to study the dynamic behaviour of ilmenite particles in a Denver cell. The data shows that the poor flotation recovery of ilmenite is not only due to the reduce probability of ilmenite being captured by air bubbles, but also the short residence time of the particles remaining in the froth phase. The ilmenite particles can be frequently captured by air bubbles, but dropped to the bulk liquid from the froth phase, normally over 15 s. Microwave irradiation changes the ilmenite flow pattern in the Denver cell. The average time of ilmenite remaining in froth phase is increased from 11.5 to 29.1 s.