Abstract: Using the reverse flotation iron concentrate from a typical Anshan-type iron ore dressing plant as the research subject, this study systematically investigated the effects of flotation reagents, pulp concentration, mineral particle size, and viscosity- and drag-reducing agents on pulp rheology and revealed the corresponding regulation mechanisms. The viscosity-reducing effect of anionic polyacrylamide （PAM） and its influence on flotation performance indices were investigated using rotational rheometry, zeta potential analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）, combined with calculations based on DLVO theory. The results show that collector dosage, pulp concentration and fine particle content are the main factors leading to high pulp viscosity. Anionic PAM can reduce the apparent viscosity by about 25 % at a dosage of 40 g/t. It is adsorbed onto mineral surfaces through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, which significantly increases the electrostatic repulsion energy barrier between particles and enhances pulp dispersion. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for controlling the rheological properties of iron concentrate pulp and optimizing flotation processes.