Replenishment of raw material reserves of non-ferrous metallurgy mainly by ores of complex composition, which are characterized by a fine mutual germination of minerals, and simultaneously increasing requirements for the full use of all valuable components of these ores urgently require the creation of new, more advanced technological schemes of their processing.

Hydroxamic acids have been recommended for wide use as reagents for quantitative and qualitative analysis of metals, their extraction separation, and as collectors in the processes of flotation beneficiation of ores of rare and non-ferrous metals. Owing to the simple technology of synthesis of alkylhydroxamic acids using aqueous solutions of hydroxylamine sulfate, the reagent IM-50, consisting of hydroxamic acids of the C₇–C₉ fraction or their sodium salts, has found application in concentration plants of the USSR. Studies of the effect of hydroxamic acids during flotation have shown that their interaction with iron ions present in the pulp volume and on the surface of minerals has a substantial and sometimes decisive effect on the results of beneficiation.

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a highly effective high-molecular-weight flotation depressant. The features of the depressing and coagulating effect on flotation-active silicates have ensured the use of CMC at all copper-nickel concentration plants in the Northwest of the USSR.