Oxidized coal is usually difficult to float using common oily collectors in a traditional flotation process. In order to float oxidized coal efficiently, this paper proposed a novel flotation process which was named zero-conditioning flotation process. Samples of oxidized anthracite coal were used in flotation tests throughout the paper. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to indicate the chemical properties of coal samples. A comparison of traditional and zero-conditioning flotation performances of oxidized anthracite coal was investigated. It was found that the zero-conditioning flotation process was suitable for the upgrading of oxidized anthracite coal. Combustible matter recovery in the zero-conditioning flotation process was much higher than that in the traditional flotation process. In addition, concentrate ash content in the zero-conditioning flotation process was a little lower than that in the traditional flotation process. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.