Potassium amyl xanthate is one of the most powerful flotation collectors, and is widely used in mineral processing. It is relatively selective and has a strong tendency to float iron sulfide unless inhibitors are used. It is used as a good mining reagent for flotation treatment of all sulphides, copper / nickel sulphide ores, zinc ores and gold associated with pyrite (gold containing iron sulfide). If the pH of the circuit is maintained between pH 7 and pH 9, this mining chemical often recovers all sulphides.