In this paper, a novel crushing pretreatment: the inhibitory effect for micro-fine particles of China copper ore was investigated based on high voltage pulse. The ore structural weakening performance, inhibitory effect, size-reduction energy intervals, energy efficiency were determined. The results show that the main size-reduction energy interval is affected by voltage, and the interval is 3-4 kWh/t at 150 kV. The pretreatment effect of HVP was improved with an increase in energy consumption, and the maximum grinding index was 1.28 at 90 kV and 4 kWh/t. The content of -74 mu m product is 72.91% for pretreated ore compared with 57.16% for untreated ores. The inhibitory effect can be reflected on the contents of micro-fine particles. The ratio of -45 mu m in -74 mu m product decreases from 71.29% to 53.52% for untreated and treated ores and the inhibitory index is 0.24. The inhibitory effect for micro-fine particles can be effectively achieved by electrical pretreatment. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.