Abstract: Clay minerals are phyllosilicate minerals, with kaolinite and montmorillonite as two typical common gangue minerals, which are the major challenges in the flotation of low-grade minerals. This paper analyzes the effect of clay mineral structure and physicochemical properties on flotation and the mechanism, and summarizes common treatment methods for clay ore in flotation and mechanisms. Because of the surface electricity, clay minerals dispersed in water will be hydrated, swell and finally peel off into layers. These layers will form different aggregations, which will affect flotation, clay minerals dispersed in water will hydrate, swell and finally peel off into layers, form different aggregates, which will affect flotation by changing the rheological properties of pulp. Clay minerals also affect the interaction between mineral particles, resulting in slime coating and mechanical entrainment. Physical methods of clay treatment include pre-desliming, high shear mixing, ultrasonic pretreatment, etc.; chemical methods include adding clay inhibitor and using electrolyte solution, etc. The effect of clay minerals in flotation and treatment methods are summarized, which is helpful to provide technical reference for the research of flotation technology with high clay content, and to put forward the future research content and direction in this field.