Flocculation and flotation response of Rhodococcus erythropolis to pure minerals in hematite ores

► Rhodococcus erythropolis as a flotation collector for hematite was evaluated. ► The surface morphology and cell wall composition of R. erythropolis was analyzed. ► Zeta potentials for four minerals were measured before and after adsorption by R. erythropolis. ► Pure mineral flotation tests and mixed mineral separation tests were performed. ► Flocculation and flotation of R. erythropolis on hematite was characterized for the first time.