Flotation

Abstract

The recovery of valuable minerals has developed in the twentieth century into a major economic activity. Flotation processes are now the preferred technique for recovery because of a better understanding and treatment of ore surfaces for selective and improved mineral recovery as well as improvements to the equipment used in the process. Flotation is also applied for treatment of waste water and de-inking of recycled paper. This chapter gives an overview of the flotation process, its background, the equipment used and the important role it plays in the recovery of precious materials from waste.