The present invention relates to foaming agents for mineral flotation. The present invention provides a microemulsion for improving the efficiency of foam separation, the microemulsion comprising a continuous phase and a dispersed phase, the continuous phase being a carrier fluid, wherein the whole of the microemulsion is made from the following by weight: 1% to 99% water, 1% to 50% alcohol blendsfrom waste streams producing 2-ethylhexanol, 1% to 20% C8-C10 fatty acids, 1% to 30% butoxyethanol, and 1% to 10% potassium hydroxide.