Potassium propylxanthate is primarily used in the mining industry as a flotation agent for the separation of sulfide ores, particularly copper, nickel, and zinc. It acts as a collector, selectively binding to metal sulfide particles and making them hydrophobic, which allows them to attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface for collection. This chemical is also employed in the recovery of precious metals like gold and silver from their ores. Additionally, it finds application in the chemical synthesis of organic compounds, where it serves as a reagent in certain reactions. Its effectiveness and specificity make it a valuable tool in both mineral processing and chemical manufacturing.