A new correlation between the capture cross-section parameter (lambda) and principal variables involved in high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) was developed. It is based on the use of an alternative dimensionless parameter beta, in lieu of the traditional U-m/U-o, which facilitated the estimation of lambda over a much broader spectrum of variables. This new correlation is far mole versatile than correlations and approximate models in the current literature , which are oonly applicable to specific situations in HGMS systems. Overall, this new correlation should be extremely useful in the design, development, optimization and modeling of HGMS systems.