explain froth floatation method in metallurgy ?describe its chemical reactions

Froth floatation method is used for concentration of sulphide ores. Concentration menas removal of gangue particles from the ore.

In this process, a suspension of the powdered ore is made with water. In it, pine oil is added. The usage of pine oil is that the ore particles become wet by oils while the gangue particles by water.

A rotating paddle agitates the mixture and draws air in it. As a result, froth is formed which carries the ore particles tot he top because the froth is light and is skimmed off.

Frotht is then dried for recovery of the ore particles.

The gangue particles remain settled at the bottom of the container.

There is not chemical reaction since it is physical process which is based on the difference in physical properties of ore and gangue particles.