Imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) represent promising potential for industrial and technological applica- tions - considering ILs as a new class of compounds. Usability of ILs in the mineral processing area described in the literature is up to now limited. Their application was indicated for minerals leaching, solvent extraction as well as electrochemical processes showing that these compounds may play an important role in the recovery and purification of high-value metals from water as well as ores. Imi- dazolium derivatives may be used as either efficient solvents or active compounds promoting separa- tion. Environmental impact and recycling possibilities were also described. Nevertheless, their poten- tial industrial applications in mineral processing require further detailed examination.