Abstract: To study the mechanism of separating pyrite and dolomite by flotation, the acting mechanisms of WHL depressor and both the minerals were studied by means of thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrareddiffuse reflection spectroscopy (PTIR-DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that WHL formed metal salts with metal ions dissolved in water from dolomite and pyrite, which then deposited on their surfaces. Both of the minerals could be depressed by WHL. In the process of flotation, sulfur was created besides the WIlL being absorbed on the surface of the sulfur concentrate, and its recovery rate was slightly affected.