Evaluation of reagents to be the potential frothers for copper-molybdenite sulfide mineral flotation is systematically studied. A frother characterization methodology including, the parameters of frothing system, namely, initial dynamic frothability index (IDFI) and initial dynamic froth collapse rate (IDCR) are used in the analysis of dynamic frothability of reagent and in selection of potential frothers. Flotation tests using the reagents as frothers for copper-molybdenite sulfide mineral are conducted to determine the metallurgical performance of these potential frothers. The metallurgical performance of the Rotation is also used to confirm the potential frothers selected by using the parameters of the frothing system. IDFI and IDCR can also be used in the formulation of frother mixtures from the reagents, to meet a certain desired frother property. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.