Abstract: For enabling the magnetic separator to attain a higher recovery efficiency, following an analysis of the working principle of the separator, the simulation is made of the separator's magnetic system using computer software for its optimization. Result of simulation shows that reduction of the gap between magnetic poles and addition of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) high-intensity magnetic strips at the main poles in the separation area can lead to significant increase of the magnetic field intensity and specific magnetic force, an increase of magnetic field action depth by 7~8 mm and a rise of the separator's treating capacity by around 21%. The study provides a useful reference for the development of high-efficiency magnetic separator.