Before performing flotation, the ore must be ground and classified. After completing the material preparation work, ensure that the grinding and classification operations achieve the appropriate flotation concentration and fineness before proceeding with flotation. Regarding the flotation process, several basic operations need to be understood:

1. The pulp concentration must be adjusted to meet the standard value, and the amount of flotation reagents added must be appropriate. During flotation, to create differences in the surface properties of minerals, the wettability of the minerals is altered (flotation is a mineral processing method based on the different wettability of minerals). This creates selectivity on the mineral surface, thereby achieving the separation of different mineral particles; that is, some mineral particles can adhere to air bubbles, while others cannot.

2. After bubbles are generated, the aeration and stirring action of the flotation machine further agitates and creates a large number of bubbles. This causes air in the slurry to disperse and form numerous bubbles, or promotes the micro-precipitation of dissolved air in the slurry.

3. The second step is also called bubble mineralization. The property of minerals being easily or difficult to float is generally referred to as their floatability. Mineralized particles selectively adhere to bubbles, which is a fundamental behavior in the flotation process. Flotation utilizes the difference in mineral floatability to separate minerals.

4. In the entire flotation process, the application of flotation reagents is particularly important. After treatment with flotation reagents, the floatability of minerals can be altered, allowing the minerals to selectively adhere to bubbles, thereby achieving the purpose of mineral processing.

Throughout the flotation process, the floating or sinking of minerals is unrelated to their density. Minerals with a high affinity for water and are easily wetted are less likely to adhere to air bubbles and float. Conversely, minerals with a low affinity for water and are less easily wetted tend to float. For example, chalcopyrite has a density of 4.2, while quartz has a density of 2.68; however, the heavier mineral chalcopyrite floats easily, while quartz sinks to the bottom.