Tumbler cell for mineral recovery using engineered media

A method comprising:

• providing a container configured to hold a mixture comprising engineered collection media and a slurry containing mineral particles;
• and
• causing the container to turn such that at least part of the mixture in an upper part of the container is caused to interact with at least part of the mixture in a lower part of container so as to enhance a contact between the engineered collection media and the mineral particles in the slurry, wherein the engineered collection media comprise collection surfaces functionalized with a chemical having molecules to attract the mineral particles to the collection surfaces so as to form mineral laden media in the mixture in said contact, wherein the container has a first side and an opposing second side, the first side having an input configured to receive the engineered collection media, the second side having an output configured to discharge the mineral laden media from the container and another output for discharging ore residue, wherein the engineered collection media comprise synthetic bubbles or beads, and the synthetic bubbles or beads are made of an open-cell foam.