Ion flotation is one of the most promising and unique methods for reducing or removing toxic heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, or inorganic anions and cations from mining and metallurgical wastewater. It is a cost-effective and convenient method. In ion flotation, surface-active ions are removed from aqueous solutions by adding surfactants. Therefore, the main purpose of this review article was to summarize the application of various surfactants (nanoparticle surfactants, chemical synthetic surfactants, and biosurfactants) used in ion flotation. Then, the advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of surfactants were comprehensively discussed. Recent progress regarding nanoparticle surfactants in ion flotation and the mechanism of colligends binding with nanoparticles were evaluated.