The developed adaptive system controlling magnetic separation of iron ores allows reducing the period of searching for the objective control function, maintaining the optimal ratio of the concentrate yield and the grade contained under conditions of changing quality of initial ores and the equipment state. There are determined conditions and the best parameters of searching for the extremum in the system of adaptive control over iron ore magnetic separation under disturbances and noises in controlled signals. They can be achieved when deviations of static and dynamic characteristics from rated ones do not exceed ±25%.