The possibility of removal of metal ions from mining waste waters through ion flotation is investigated. Waste water of an opencast mine containing about 50 mg/l copper ions is purified. The ions undergo precipitation with xanthates forming chelate complexes with high hydrophobicity. Electroflotation is used for the obtaining of a gaseous phase with sufficient volume and high dispersity. Conditions are established for the realization of the precipitation and adsorbing colloid mechanism of flotation. An active potassium oleate surfactant is used for the stabilization of foam formation and for the improvement of the precipitation with the main precipitant. Removal of the metal ions present in the waste water is achieved.