Laboratory flotation tests are performed to determine reagent scheme (collector, depressant, activator, frother, etc.) for selective flotation of ores. Statistical experimental design is employed to select the optimum reagent combination among various types of flotation reagents. Moreover, effect of water chemistry on flotation performance is also determined. The effect of water chemistry becomes crucial when recycle water from the thickeners and tailing dam is used in flotation. Types and concentration of cations and anions and their influence on flotation recovery and selectivity are determined.

The flotation research group performs collaborative projects with Jullius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (Australia), University of Cape Town (South Africa), McGill University (Canada), University of Newcastle (Australia) in P9O project “Optimisation of Mineral Processes by Modelling and Simulation” organized by AMIRA International Limited. The sub-projects performed by Flotation Research Group are;
1) Modelling Effects of Degree of Oxidation and Water Chemistry on Flotation Performance of Sulphide Ores
2) Electrochemical Predictions of Floatability

Interactions between various types of collectors and mixture of collectors, organic and inorganic depressants, reagents used for sulphidisation and activation of sulphide minerals are  investigated using surface chemistry and electrochemistry techniques. In these research works, the following research techniques are generally used; zeta potential measurements, adsorption studies by using UV Visible and ion chromatography techniques, electrochemical techniques by using Potentiostat/Galvanostat. Effects of microwave treatment on surface characteristics of sulphide mineral are investigated by microflotation and contact angle measurements.

One of the most important parameters affecting flotation performance is mineralogy and liberation of the minerals. In these works, techniques of process mineralogy are employed to investigate flotation behavior of particles having different degree of liberation and mineral composition. In these works, Clemex image analysis system with optical microscopy is usually used and when necessary more sensitive techniques such as MLA or QemScan techniques are considered.

Design of flotation process flowsheet and also optimization of existing process flowsheet and operating conditions are performed based on laboratory scale flotation tests, locked cycle flotation tests and plant scale surveys.