Mining of complex sulphide ore started in the 13th century in the Garpenberg area and Boliden Mineral AB bought the operation in 1957. The ore is rich in silver and zinc, but contains also copper, lead and gold in payable amounts. Fully autogenous grinding was introduced in 1989 and the flotation results have gradually been improved using common basic methods. This paper gives a step-by-step description of how the improvements were made and the dead-ends that also were investigated. The flowsheet today is a by-the-book solution with good liberation as the basic guideline for getting good results. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.