In this study, the appropriate collector and collector amount for Ukraine coal in froth flotation was determined. For this purpose, the performance of classic oils (kerosene, diesel-oil and fuel-oil) and lubricating oils (spindle oil, bright stock and heavy neutral) was evaluated by combustible recovery, ash rejection and efficiency index. It was found that the combustible recovery and ash rejection changed, depending on the type and concentration of oil. The maximum combustible recovery was obtained by using bright stock. It was determined that bright stock, fuel-oil and kerosene were suitable for the flotation of Ukraine coal. On considering the flotation efficiency index values, the best results were obtained with bright stock and diesel-oil. Consequently, it was shown that bright stock and spindle oil could be used as alternative oils instead of classic oils for cleaning of Ukraine coal by the froth flotation. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.