Glossary beginning with F

A stage in the process of breaking down ore into fragments of varying composition of useful elements which exploits differences in the degree of wettability of individual mineral grains. Wellwetted minerals fall to the bottom of the flotation tank, while the poorly-wetted grains (those whose wettability decreases due to the action of so-called collecting agents, e.g. xanthates) collect at the surface of the froth created from froth-inducing agents.

Waste remaining after the ore enrichment process; can be utilised or stored.