Abstract: A refractory lead-zinc oxide ore from Yunnan has complicated properties characterized high lead oxidization rate and low zinc recovery value.Therefore,the vulcanization-xanthate flotation and direct flotation by using fatty acid were compared.The results show that compared to the vulcanization-xanthate flotation which obtains the lead concentrate with lead grade 55.62 % and lead recovery rate 75.45 %,the direct flotation by using fatty acid has better overall beneficiation index that the lead concentrate obtained has lead grade 50.38 % and lead recovery rate 78.08 %;besides,the direct flotation by using fatty acid need less additive kinds,smaller dosage and low cost,its reagent cost is 36.64 yuan/t lower than that of the vulcanization-xanthate flotation.So the direct flotation by using fatty acid is better for the treatment of the refractory lead-zinc oxide ore.