A brief history of the development of pneumatic flotation cells from early in the 20th century to the present day and a comparison to conventional cells demonstrates the efficiency and simplicity of design and operation of the new generation' of pneumatic cells. Recent successful testwork on phosphate minerals in the USA and a variety of coal types in Australia confirm the utility and efficiency of the design. The key aspects of this technology are improved recovery and selectivity with lower capital expenditure and operating costs.