How do air bubbles help recover molybdenite during flotation?

In the context of molybdenum processing, air bubbles are essential for the recovery of molybdenite through the flotation process.

During this procedure, the crushed ore is agitated in a pulp of water and specific chemical reagents. These reagents bind to the surface of the molybdenite particles, rendering them hydrophobic, or water-repellent. Because these particles are unwetted, they adhere to air bubbles introduced into the mixture. These air bubbles then carry the molybdenite particles to the surface of the pulp, where they collect as a froth that can be skimmed off and removed for further processing. This method allows for the effective separation of valuable molybdenum minerals from unwanted gangue materials.12