Potassium amylxanthate is widely used in the mining industry as a flotation agent, particularly in the extraction of sulfide ores. It acts as a collector, selectively binding to the surface of sulfide minerals, such as copper, lead, and zinc, making them hydrophobic. This allows the minerals to attach to air bubbles and float to the surface, facilitating their separation from the ore. Its effectiveness and efficiency make it a key component in mineral processing operations. Additionally, it is employed in the recovery of precious metals like gold and silver from their ores. Due to its strong affinity for metal sulfides, it is also used in environmental applications for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.