Flotation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-011283",
  "term": "Flotation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Separation of minerals based on the interfacial chemistry of the mineral particles in solution. Reagents are added to the ore slurry to render the surface of selected minerals hydrophobic. Air bubbles are introduced to which the hydrophobic minerals attach. The selected minerals are levitated to the top of the flotation machine by their attachment to the bubbles and into a froth product, called the \"flotation concentrate.\" If this froth carries more than one mineral as a designated main constituent, it is called a \"bulk float\". If it is selective to one constituent of the ore, where more than one will be floated, it is a \"differential\" float. The remaining slurry left after flotation is called the \"flotation tailing.\" Flotation is the dominant method of mineral concentration currently in use.",
  "references": [
    "EPA Abandoned Mite Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook; Appendix A: Acronym List and Glossary of Mining Terms at http://www.epa.gov/superfund/policy/remedy/pdfs/appendix.pdf"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/flotation/"
}