It is possible to analyze in situ the adsorbate/adsorbant interaction during the flotation process by high frequency dielectric measurements. The adsorption of complexing collector (sodium oleate) onto calcite increases the dielectric permittivity independently of the frequency. The dielectric constant increases after adsorption because the adsorbate and the adsorbant interact through covalent bonds. Physical adsorption involving electrostatic interactions or hydrogen bonds (dodecylamine and dodecylsulfate) has no effect on the dielectrical characteristics. The dielectric method allows to analyze the mechanisms of depression using reagents such as quebracho and sodium silicate. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.