Flotation of fine apatitic ore using microbubbles

► Conventional flotation devices can be inefficient to selectively recovery fine particles. ► The effect of process variables on the performance of dissolved air flotation of apatite was studied. ► The bubbles size distribution of the dissolved air system was measured, with values less than 100 μm. ► The satisfactory performance requirements for fine phosphate ore flotation were achieved. ► P2O5 grade and apatite recovery, respectively, higher than 30% and 60% for fine particles were obtained.