Abstract: In order to give the theoretical basis of the popularization and application of origin potential flotation on lead and zinc mine in plateau area, the pulp potential and buoyancy of galena and sphalerite single mineral in different pH and with agate ball and iron ball as grinding medium are inspected, and compared with that in plain region. According to the investigation results, the conclusion is as follows: Plateau environment can change the original pulp potential of two minerals, thus increasing differences in floatability of the two kinds of minerals (galena floatability better, sphalerite floatability worse), so two kinds of minerals in the plateau environment can reach better flotation separation effect than in the plain environment. Wherever in plateau area or in the plain area, because the iron ion can interfere with original pulp potential when iron ball as grinding medium, the flotation separation effect is worse than agate ball as grinding medium. Then the original potential flotation separation test of artificial mixed mineral proved this conclusion.

Key words: Galena, Sphalerite, Plateau environment, pH, Grinding medium, Original pulp potential, Floatability