Wetting properties of ore particles are the basis of the froth flotation process. This process is widely used in the mining industry to separate valuable minerals from their associated gangue (unwanted) minerals.

The froth flotation process involves the selective separation of hydrophobic (water-repelling) particles from hydrophilic (water-attracting) particles. The process relies on the differences in the wetting properties of the ore particles.

Here is a detailed explanation of the froth flotation process based on wetting properties:

1. Introduction to Froth Flotation:
- Froth flotation is a physico-chemical process used to separate minerals from their gangue by utilizing differences in their surface properties.
- The process involves the use of chemicals (collectors, frothers, and modifiers) to selectively render the desired mineral particles hydrophobic.

2. Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic:
- Hydrophobic particles repel water and tend to adhere to air bubbles, while hydrophilic particles attract water and do not adhere to air bubbles.
- In the froth flotation process, the hydrophobic particles are selectively attached to air bubbles and carried to the froth phase, while the hydrophilic particles remain in the aqueous phase.

3. Collectors:
- Collectors are chemicals that selectively adsorb onto the surface of hydrophobic particles, making them water-repellent.
- Common collectors used in froth flotation include xanthates, sulfides, amines, and fatty acids.

4. Frothers:
- Frothers are chemicals that stabilize the froth by reducing the surface tension of the liquid-air interface.
- They promote the formation of a stable froth layer, which contains the hydrophobic particles attached to air bubbles.

5. Process Steps:
- The ore is ground to a fine powder and mixed with water to form a slurry.
- Collectors are added to the slurry to selectively coat the hydrophobic particles.
- Air is introduced into the slurry, creating bubbles that carry the hydrophobic particles to the surface as a froth.
- The froth is skimmed off and further processed to separate the valuable minerals.

6. Selective Separation:
- The selective separation is achieved by controlling the type and dosage of collectors and frothers.
- By adjusting these parameters, it is possible to selectively float certain minerals while leaving others in the aqueous phase.

In conclusion, the froth flotation process is based on the wetting properties of ore particles. The hydrophobic particles selectively attach to air bubbles and are carried to the froth phase, while the hydrophilic particles remain in the aqueous phase. This selective separation is achieved by using collectors and frothers, which modify the surface properties of the particles.