The sphalerite ((Zn, Fe)S) which surface is clean have low floatability. If the low-grade xanthate is directly used for its flotation, the recovery rate is low, so it is necessary to use high-grade xanthate to process the sphalerite. However, after activation of the copper salt activator, the surface of the sphalerite is easily adsorbed by copper ions and becomes floatable, and the low-grade xanthate can be used for flotation. The adsorption product of xanthate on sphalerite is the zinc xanthate adsorption layer.

The above describes the application of xanthate in several common mineral flotation processes. Xanthate has a strong collection effect on many sulfide minerals. In addition, xanthate can also be used for the flotation of natural metal minerals, such as gold, copper and other minerals. It can also be used for flotation of certain heavy metal oxide salts. For example, ethyl xanthate can be used for the flotation of lead sulfate, Chlorargyrite, and amyl xanthate can be used for the flotation of malachite, smithsonite. In actual production, the appropriate kinds of xanthate should be selected according to the actual properties of the mineral. The longer the carbon chain of xanthate, the stronger its ability to collect. At the same time, it is necessary to properly adjust the pH of the slurry, and use other activators and inhibitors to improve the flotation efficiency.