Abstract: Metal ions existed in the pulp tend to have a significant impact on the flotation behavior of minerals in the flotation process. Based on the summary and analysis of related literatures, the influence law and underlying mechanism of metal ions on depression, activation and decentralization of silicate were reviewed in this work. Metal ions adsorb on minerals in the form of complexes or precipitates in different flotation system, and affect the mineral flotation by consuming reagents, changing surface electricity of minerals. The change of surface electrical properties of minerals by metal ions will affect the dispersion behavior of silicates. The bridging role of metal hydroxide precipitation promotes the coagulation of minerals. The interference of metal ions can be eliminated by precipitation interaction, complexing reaction and shielding effect.