Abstract:  A large amount of fresh water resources are consumed in mineral flotation. The use of seawater instead of freshwater for mineral flotation is an effective way to solve the shortage of fresh water resources. Seawater beneficiation is only used in arid coastal areas and the genetic characteristics of different mineral deposits in different regions are different. The effect of seawater on mineral flotation is closely related to the genetic characteristics of minerals. It is of great significance to study the relationship by using genetic mineral processing engineering. In this paper，the application status of seawater beneficiation at home and abroad is reviewed，and the effect of seawater on mineral flotation and the mechanism are introduced， including the effect of seawater on the water structure of mineral interface，the properties of mineral particles and bubbles， particle-particle interactions，bubble-particle attachment. The effect of seawater on mineral flotation is a complex process. Seawater can reduce the bubble size，enhance the foam stability and weaken the mud cover，so it has a beneficial effect on flotation of minerals. However，Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions hydrolyze in high alkalinity pulp to form hydrophilic hydroxyl complex or hydroxide precipitation and adhere to the mineral surface，resulting in the decrease of hydrophobicity on the mineral surface and inhibiting the flotation of some metal sulfide minerals. Therefore，it is very important to choose the appropriate flotation agents in order to reduce the adverse effect of seawater on flotation.

Key words: Seawater beneficiation, Electric double layer, Mud cover, Hydrophilic precipitate, Flotation agent, Seawater beneficiation, Electric double layer, Mud cover, Hydrophilic precipitate, Flotation agent