Economic optimization of a flotation circuit is necessary to ensure that the circuit is performing at its maximum economical potential. This paper deals with the economic optimization of flotation circuits. A model for estimating the optimum number of cells in a bank, to give a definite target recovery, as well as the volume of each cell is developed. A hypothetical copper project is provided to explain the applicability of this investigation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.