Abstract: The copper content in the ore inceases with the deepening of mining in Huili Zinc Mine to result in a Cu-Pb-Zn multimetal complex ore. The original flotation process consists of only operations for separating lead and zinc and can not suit the change of ore quality. For this, experimental study was made on a new process of potential-controlled preferential flotation in a sequency of copper, lead and zinc, which used LP-01 as collector for copper mineral, DDTC as collector for lead mineral, copper sulfate and butyl xanthate as activator and collector for zinc mineral respectively and lime as regulator for pulp potential; and the depressant combination of YN+ZnSO₄ for lead mineral in copper and lead separation. As a result, the test obtained a copper concertrate graded 21.24% at a copper recovery of 59.54%,  lead concertrate graded 61.23% at a lead recovery of 53.47% and a zinc concertrate graded 56.43% zinc at a zinc recovery of 87.22%. The new process is both simple and environment-friendly and can be the basis of site process transformation.

Key words: Cu-Pb-Zn mutil-metal sulphide ore, Potential-controlled flotation, Preferential flotation, Copper collector LP-01