In this study, the processing of Himmetoǧlu oil shale from Bolu, Turkey, by flotation techniques was
investigated for the possibility of achieving a clean solid-fuel substitute. The surface characteristics and mineral
content of Himmetoǧlu oil shale were determined using mineralogical, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The flotation
response of the sample was tested with several nonionizing collectors and a variety of ionizing collectors
belonging to both cationic and anionic groups. The effects of collector dosage and pulp pH on the effectiveness
of flotation were also determined. XRD analysis showed that majority of incombustible matter in the sample
was carbonate, silicate, and sulfide minerals. FTIR spectrum exhibited significantly strong absorption bands
from the organic and oxygen-rich functional groups, revealing the organic-rich and highly humic character of
Himmetoǧlu oil shale. Flotation experiments showed that Himmetoǧlu oil shale had a hydrophillic nature and
extremely poor flotability because of its humic character. Effective means of ash rejection with an acceptable
extent of combustible recovery was achieved by reverse flotation, where mineral matter was selectively removed
by amine acetates through reverse flotation. Among the amine acetates used, the most favorable cleaning was
obtained in the presence of Flotigam CA at natural pulp pH, where the ash yield of Himmetoǧlu oil shale was
reduced from 34.76 to 23.52% with a high combustible recovery of 83.57%.