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Flotation

Flotation is a mineral processing technology used to separate valuable minerals from gangue material based on differences in surface chemistry and hydrophobicity. The process involves grinding ore to a fine particle size and mixing it with water to create a slurry, which is then treated with chemical reagents called collectors, frothers and modifiers. Air is introduced into the slurry, creating bubbles that selectively attach to hydrophobic mineral particles, causing them to rise to the surface as a froth concentrate while hydrophilic gangue particles sink to the bottom as tailings. Flotation is widely employed in the mining industry to concentrate sulphide ores of copper, lead, zinc, nickel and other base metals, as well as precious metals such as gold and platinum-group metals. The technology is also used to process industrial minerals including phosphates, potash and fluorite, and has applications in coal beneficiation and rare-earth element extraction. Modern flotation circuits typically consist of multiple stages including rougher, scavenger and cleaner cells to maximise recovery and grade of the target minerals. The efficiency of flotation depends on factors such as particle size, reagent dosage, pH, pulp density and residence time. Flotation was first developed commercially in the early twentieth century and has since become one of the most important and versatile mineral separation technologies in the global mining sector. Advances in flotation technology continue to focus on improving selectivity, reducing reagent consumption and processing increasingly complex and low-grade ores.

Flotation News


a small seedling growing at the fore of an openpit mine
Next-gen chemicals optimising extraction efficiency
11th September 2026 By: Halima Frost

Developing custom reagent formulations that enhance flotation selectivity and hydrometallurgical efficiency has enabled mining chemicals and metallurgical processing group BME Metallurgy to address... 


Sampo Cell system
Metso launches 'breakthrough' coarse particle flotation innovation
10th September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Mineral processing equipment specialist Metso has launched a breakthrough innovation in coarse particle flotation, Sampo Cell, that enhances recovery of coarse particles without compromising fine... 


Metso mineral processing solution
Metso undertakes R&D pilot plant for Geological Survey of Finland
1st September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Industrial machinery and engineering company Metso has signed an agreement with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) covering the engineering and delivery of process technology for GTK Mintec’s... 


From reagent dosing to thickener underflow: Choosing the right pump and hoses for mining operations
From reagent dosing to thickener underflow: Choosing the right pump and hoses for mining operations
28th August 2026

In mineral processing, operational efficiency is often determined by how well critical process streams are managed. From reagent dosing circuits that demand pinpoint accuracy to thickener underflow... 


FLS Logo
FLS focuses on full flowsheet solutions for Africa’s evolving mining sector
28th August 2026

As mining operations across Africa continue to pursue higher productivity, improved sustainability and greater operational efficiency, minerals processing supplier FLS is strengthening its regional... 


LEVEL MEASUREMENT VEGABAR 86 is a smart, durable and low-maintenance density-compensated level measurement option for plants dealing with tough slurry conditions and constantly shifting process variables
Level measurement enhances flotation cell efficiency
28th August 2026

Robust, density-compensated level measurement has become essential in flotation cells – the “heartbeat” of mineral processing plants across sub-Saharan Africa, reports measurement technology... 


MAXIMISING UPTIME
FLS ensures every service intervention is carried out to original equipment manufacturer standards, helping customers maximise equipment uptime  and extend the operational life of critical assets.
FLS strengthens African mining strategy ahead of Electra Mining Africa 2026
26th August 2026

As mining operations across Africa continue to focus on productivity, improved sustainability and operational efficiency, mining services provider FLS is strengthening its regional strategy through... 


UNAFFECTED Because the measurement is independent of many changing physical properties of the slurry and the hardware sits outside the pipe, the system remains reliable where abrasive solids, corrosion and temperature swings can defeat conventional instruments
Driving mining efficiency through smarter slurry density measurement
26th August 2026

In mining, owing to the inherently finite and complex nature of mineral deposits, margins tend to decline. Bankable gains often come from “invisible” improvements: tighter process control, fewer... 


Mining, mapping, sampling at the Whistler project
Whistler gold/copper project, US
31st July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

US GoldMining Inc plans to develop a conventional openpit truck-and-shovel operation using drill, blast, load and haul mining methods.  


DANIEL VERWEY
Variable mineralogy and finer particle sizes require more customised reagent strategies supported by ongoing test work and process optimisation
Precision chemistry developed for complex DRC ores
24th July 2026

As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to expand copper and cobalt production to meet rising global demand for battery minerals, mining companies are using metallurgical solutions... 


Rare earths
Lofdal heavy rare earths project, Namibia – update
24th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The joint management committee overseeing Lofdal has approved the next phase of the definitive feasibility study. 


Mintek Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr Mandla Chabalala.
Mintek targeting global flotation research recognition, PGM Industry Day hears
14th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

South Africa’s national mineral research organisation Mintek is targeting global recognition as a minerals flotation researcher, the State-owned organisation emphasised at its recent platinum group... 


Mineral Hill mine
Kingston Resources raises $12.9m to fund resource expansion, studies at Mineral Hill
19th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Kingston Resources has received firm commitments for a placement to raise $4.4-million followed by an $8.5-million underwritten entitlement offer at $0.035 apiece. Kingston intends to... 


Hualilan project area in Argentina
Challenger confirms low-cost startup to Hualilan gold project
18th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Challenger Gold has announced Peter Marrone as its chairperson-elect pending shareholder approval in June, the appointment of Yohann Bouchard as COO, an A$85-million private placement... 


An image of the Kabanga project site
Critical minerals mine inching towards construction
15th May 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

The completion of a feasibility study on the Kabanga nickel project, in Tanzania, in July 2025 was a “defining moment” for the project owner, modern metals developer Lifezone Metals, and for the... 


The Omitiomire copper project site
Appian acquires majority stake in Namibia copper project
14th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Investment adviser Appian Capital Advisory has acquired a 95% controlling equity interest in the Omitiomire copper project (Omico Copper), in Namibia, and says about $400-million in development... 


Where corrosion meets control
Where corrosion meets control
13th May 2026

(Virtual Showroom) Reliable level measurement is essential in copper and cobalt processing, and at KCC, VEGA Controls (Pty) Ltd is helping ensure uninterrupted operations with robust vibrating... 


An image of the Wicheeda camp
Defense Metals starts pilot flotation test programme at Canada project
13th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

TSX-V-listed Defense Metals has started a confirmatory pilot flotation plant test programme for its wholly-owned Wicheeda rare earth project, located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.... 


The Rietberg mine
Copper 360 shifts focus to underground development at higher-grade Rietberg
12th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Northern Cape-focused copper company Copper 360's board has approved a strategic operational restructuring focused on accelerating the development of its higher-grade ore at the Rietberg mine and... 


An image of Northbound Processing MD Dr Duarte da Silva
Masterclass unpacks global mining waste opportunity
8th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

As traditional ore grades continue to decline and global demand for critical minerals increases, historic tailings dams and mine waste deposits present strategic, high-value resource assets, with... 


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