Abstract <p>The aim of the study was, firstly, to consider the possibilities of applying gravity pre-concentration in a heavy media of lead–copper–zinc ore of current production. As a result of applying this method, a number of advantages can be achieved already at the stage of ore grinding and classification namely, decrease in specific consumption scale of norms per ton of processed ore, primarily as a result of energy saving in grinding and decrease in consumption of flotation reagents. Secondly, within the framework of economically more significant and more interesting aspect, the question of using pre-concentration for off-balance ore was considered. The potential application of the pre-concentration process can enable increasing ore reserves while flotation capacity maintaining at the current level. According to the obtained results, the quality of the pre-concentrate remains at the level of the current run-of-mine ore, and the flotation plant keeps the same capacity as it is currently.</p>