Abstract: The research progress of oxidized/low rank coal flotation technology is of great significance to improve the utilization efficiency of coal resources. An overview of the research progress on the flotation technology of oxidized/low rank coal is presented, and the fundamental reasons of the difficulty of efficient flotation of oxidized/low rank coals are explored. This can provide a basis for developing new and efficient technologies and processes for oxidized/low rank coal flotation. The surface properties analysis of oxidized/low rank coal, the research results of domestic and foreign scholars in the pretreatment of oxidized/low rank coal, optimization of flotation reagents, and enhancement of the flotation process in recent years are summarized. The current industrial application status of flotation of oxidized/low rank coal is outlined. The results showed that the increase in oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of coal (such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether groups, etc.) and the developed pore structure led to the stabilization of the liquid film on the surface of oxidized/low rank coal, which makes it difficult for coal particles to attach to air bubbles, thereby deteriorating the flotation performance. Pretreatment before flotation is considered an important method to improve flotation performance. Common pretreatment methods include ultrasonic, grinding, heat treatment, high-shear slurry conditioning, compression pore, pre-adsorption of reagent, and plasma pretreatment, which can improve the surface properties of coal particles by physical and chemical means, thereby enhancing flotation efficiency. Interface modulation is another important research direction in oxidized/low rank coal flotation technology. Suitable surfactants, flotation reagents and hydrophobic nanoparticle adsorption modification can improve the hydrophobicity of oxidized/low rank coal surfaces to varying degrees. In addition, flotation methods such as micro-nano bubble flotation, oil bubble flotation, and reverse flotation technology have also provided new ideas for improving the flotation of oxidized/low rank coal. Micro-nano bubble flotation technology enhances the flotation effect of coal particles by improving the collision and adhesion efficiency between bubbles and coal particles. Oil bubble flotation technology can improve the interaction between bubbles and coal particles by altering the surface properties of the bubbles. However, the industrial application of flotation of oxidized/low rank coal is still in its infancy. The development of efficient and environmentally friendly reagents for the flotation of oxidized/low rank coal, as well as issues related to the stability of the flotation process, have not yet been completely solved. Finally, the development of oxidized/low rank coal flotation technology was reviewed. On the basis of accurate analysis of the surface properties and structural characteristics of oxidized/low rank coal, the analysis of the interaction mechanism between reagents, bubbles and oxidized/low rank coal surfaces by means of precise in-situ mechanical characterization, as well as the development of efficient flotation reagents to achieve precise control of interfacial properties, is the necessary path to realize the high-efficiency flotation of oxidized/low rank coal.