Improved partitioning compositions for froth flotation of mineral ores, and improved methods of froth flotation using the partitioning compositions have been developed. The partitioning compositions are suitably added to a mineral ore slurry in a single addition to provide a sparge composition that is ready for sparging. The use of the partitioning compositions obviates the need to adjust the pH of the ore slurry before or after the addition, and further avoids the use of compounds having a flashpoint of 60 C. or less. Meanwhile, the partitioning compositions obtain improved grade and recovery of phosphate product (P.sub.2O.sub.5) in froth flotation of phosphate ores, when compared to conventional chemistry and methods used for froth flotation of a phosphate ores.

The invention is related to a collector composition for the beneficiation of phosphate ores, particularly those with high content of carbonate impurities. The collector may be a combination of chemicals, comprising: (1) any kind of fatty acids, e.g., conventional fatty acid, saponified fatty acid, or modified fatty acid; (2) chemicals with sulfonate or sulfate groups, such as dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DDBSA) or its salt, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SIS), sodium coco sulfate (SCS), etc.; (3) phosphorous-bearing inorganic acids or salts, such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium hexametaphosphate (SFMP), trisodium phosphate (TSP), Tetrasodiumpyrophosphate (TSPP), etc.; (4) alkoxylated alcohols, preferably ethoxylated C8-C24 linear or branched fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation higher than five; and (5) modifier compositions selected from one or more of the modifier agents such as insoluble oils, silicones, fatty alcohols, esters, glycols, etc.