Flotation tests were conducted for a complex refractory copper-lead-zinc polymetallic sulfide ore bearing arsenic and silver. By using a new high-efficient sulfide ore collector (CYC) and an environment friendly lead depressant (CYZ), the test with a flowsheet consisting of rough grinding, copper-lead-silver bulk flotation, classification and regrinding, reagent removal and Cu/Pb separation produced a copper concentrate grading 22.42% Cu and 11 549.74 g/t Ag with corresponding recoveries of 73.77% Cu and 83.85% Ag, as well as a lead concentrate grading 13.96% Pb and 6.61% Sb with corresponding recoveries of 19.45% Pb and 11.10% Sb. It is shown that with this technique, an efficient Cu/Pb separation can be actualized, while the associated Ag and Sb minerals can also be reclaimed effectively.

polymetallic sulfide ore  /  collector  /  depressant  /  Cu/Pb separation  /  copper-lead-zinc sulfide ore