In froth flotation, collectors are used to:
Create a froth of bubbles
Enhance the attachment of minerals to air bubbles
Increase the pH of the ore slurry
Decrease the surface tension of water
Froth flotation involves adding collectors to the ore-water slurry, which selectively coat the valuable minerals, making them hydrophobic. Air bubbles are then passed through the slurry, and the hydrophobic mineral particles attach to the air bubbles and rise to the surface as a froth, which can be collected.