flotation

Flotation is a process used in mineral processing to separate valuable minerals from waste rock. It involves adding chemicals to finely crushed ore submerged in water, which creates bubbles. The desired mineral particles attach to these bubbles and float to the surface, forming a froth that can be skimmed off. This method effectively concentrates minerals like copper, gold, and zinc, allowing for easier extraction and purification. Flotation is widely used because it efficiently separates minerals based on their surface properties, enabling the recovery of valuable materials from complex ore mixtures.