Abstract: The inefficient R&D mode of mineral flotation with the long period and high cost is due to the absence of systematic research and summary of the“Genetic Properties”of deposits，ores，and minerals. The concept of“Genetic Flotation” is helpful to optimize the research of mineral flotation technology and lay a foundation for the further development of “Genetic Mineral Processing Engineering（GMPE）theory”. The influence of physics and chemical items of typical deposits， ore structures，and crystal structures on mineral flotation were preliminarily explored，and the development and prospect of data mining and modeling in mineral flotation were introduced. It is clarified that the industrial application of flotation based on big data is the technical goal. Through the analysis of the relationship between the genetic properties of deposits， ores，mineral and mineral flotation，it is pointed out that the genetic types of deposits，ore structures，and crystal chemical properties of minerals directly affect the flotation behavior and separation characteristics of minerals. The scientific research data of minerals flotation are collected，processed，and analyzed using modern information technology，which helps to achieve breakthrough development in the field of flotation. Finally，the applying prospect and suggestions of“Genetic Flotation”were given. The systematic studies of“Genetic Flotation”of minerals would help to provide the basis and data support to the rapid and accurate formulation of flotation separation technology and process of different ores. They would also make an innovative breakthrough in flotation test and engineering methodology，enriching the theory of GMPE.

Key words: genetic flotation, mineral deposit geology, mineral crystal chemistry, data mining and modeling, industrial application