Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation of coal particles from impurities associated therewith such as ash and sulfur. In this arrangement, a primary spray nozzle is positioned above a flotation tank having a water bath therein, and sprays an input slurry through an aeration zone into the surface of the water. The spraying operation creates a froth on the water surface in which a substantial quantity of particulate matter is floating, while other components of the slurry sink into the water bath. A skimming arrangement skims the froth from the water surface as a cleaned or beneficiated product. Moreover, a recycling operation is provided wherein particulate materials which do not float after being sprayed through the primary spray nozzle are recycled to a further recycle spray nozzle to provide a second opportunity for recovery of the recycled particles.