Abstract Froth stability is an important factor in determining flotation yield, and one of the factors affecting froth stability is dependent on the concentration and type of surfactant. Since detergents contain different types of surfactants, it is possible that they affect the froth stability (together with the frothing agent and the collector) and consequently the flotation yield. Therefore, the effect of detergents containing lauryldimethylamine oxide and sodium laureth sulphate was investigated in this study. The results showed that the addition of detergents increased the froth stability by more than 30% and 45% in terms of froth formation and froth decay, respectively. The flotation tests also showed that the addition of detergents increased the sulphur content of the concentrate by about 0.7%.