Flotation separation of fine coal particles from ash-forming particles

Coal fines are processed by flotation separation to separate coal particles from ash-forming component particles. Coal fines are mixed water under high shear mixing conditions to form an aqueous slurry of coal fines containing between 15 wt.% and 55 wt.% coal fines. The aqueous slurry is introduced into a coal flotation cell to separate coal particles from ash-forming component particles by flotation separation, wherein the coal fines have a particle size less than 500 µm, and more preferably less than 300 µm. Bubbles are generated in the coal flotation cell having a bubble size and bubble quantity selected to float the coal particles and to form a coal-froth containing at least 15 wt.% solid particles. The solid particles include coal particles and ash-forming component particles. The coal-froth is collected for further processing.