History of Science and Engineering Annotation << Back Historical essay on the flotation of ores S.I. Ivankov Historical milestones in the development of the flotation process as the main one of mineral processing is considered. Goals and objectives of flotation and enrichment are defined. The path of development of the beneficiation process are described since the beginning of the new century. Flotation is treated as a process of interaction of all the involved substances having different physico-chemical properties on the interface of three phases – solid, liquid and gaseous. The methods of foam, oil and film flotation are treated on the basis of patented technological solutions. The significance of flotation reagents making flotation process effective is treated too. Classification of flotation reagents contain the following ones: collectors, foam regulators, environment, activators, depressors. Specific examples of their application are given. The development of selective flotation processes allowed to involve sulphide ores of the Urals and the Khibiny apatite-nepheline ores in efficient processing. The stages of improvement of design of flotation machines are considered. The creation of the theoretical foundations of flotation, started in the very beginning of XX century in Germany. keeps on nowadays all over the world, including the USSR and Russia. Keywords: beneficiation; flotation; methods of flotation; flotation reagents; selective flotation; design flotation devices; theoretical foundations of flotation. Contacts: E-mail: skiler2008@yandex.ru Pp. 70-82.