The study illustrates the first ever use of Aliquat-336 (C25H54ClN), an ionic liquid, in the flotation separation of quartz from hematite. Laboratory flotation studies of hematite, quartz and their synthetic mixture have shown selective collecting action of Aliquat-336 toward quartz. At an Aliquat-336 dosage of 280 g/t, 97% quartz is floated at slightly alkaline pH (similar to 8), whereas hematite recovery is only 8%. Flotation of the synthetic mixture of hematite: quartz (1: 1), with Aliquat-336 as the quartz collector and starch as the hematite depressant, has resulted in an iron concentrate of 63-65% Fe with 85-88% recovery. The reverse flotation behavior of the low grade banded hematite quartzite (BHQ) using Aliquat-336 as the collector has been investigated. It is observed that, iron values up to similar to 65% Fe with 60% recovery can be achieved from the ore containing similar to 38% Fe. Surface potential measurement and FTIR spectra lead to the indication of electrostatic adsorption between Aliquat-336 and quartz. (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.