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The concentrate grade in chalcopyrite flotation is often compromised by the associated inherently floatable gangue such as graphite. In this study, eco-friendly xanthan gum (XG) was introduced as a graphite depressant in the flotation of chalcopyrite. Single minerals flotation showed that XG strongly reduced the floatability of graphite at pH 7.5 with no significant effect on the flotation of chalcopyrite. Mixed minerals flotation showed that the addition of 20 mg/L XG increased copper grade and selectivity index by 16.83% and 14.23, respectively. This selective depressing behavior of XG was due to the strong affinity between XG and graphite as well as the weak interaction between XG and chalcopyrite, as suggested by electrokinetic and adsorption measurements. FTIR and XPS analyses indicated that the adsorption of XG on the graphite surface could be governed by physical adsorption mechanisms. Furthermore, since the contribution of hydrogen bonding interaction was insignificant, hydrophobic interaction was considered as the dominant driving force in the adsorption process. This investigation demonstrates the promising potential of XG for graphite depression and may contribute to the greening of chalcopyrite flotation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]