Microwave technology in mineral metallurgy offers a transformative approach to ore processing, providing new ideas for resource depletion and environmental impact. This review explores the principles, applications, and future directions of microwave treatment in mineral and ore processing. Microwave technology, characterized by rapid, uniform, selective heating, and energy efficiency, contrasts with traditional heating methods. It interacts directly with materials at the molecular level, enabling volumetric heating. The review covers applications in ore pre-treatment, drying, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, smelting, and reduction. It highlights microwave treatment's role in enhancing metal recovery, reducing energy consumption, and improving processing speeds. Future research focuses on enhanced equipment design, process optimization, integration with conventional methods, and technological innovations. The review provides insights for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers to understand microwave technology's potential in mineral metallurgy, emphasizing its contribution to innovation and sustainability. Microwave heating differs from conventional methods by rapidly penetrating materials and interacting with molecular and crystalline structures, causing molecular vibration and frictional heating. Selective heating allows targeted heating effects, improving metal extraction efficiency. The review discusses the heating mechanisms, including material absorption, dielectric parameters, heating rate, and penetration depth. Microwave treatment exhibits rapid heating, selective heating, and non-contact heating, which are beneficial in various mineral-processing stages. Applications include ore pre-treatment, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, smelting, and drying. Microwave treatment enhances process efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes environmental impact. Future directions involve advanced equipment design, process modeling, integration with conventional methods, and technological innovation. The integration of microwave technology into mineral processing signifies a shift toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly practices, offering a promising avenue for the future of mineral metallurgy.Microwave technology in mineral metallurgy offers a transformative approach to ore processing, providing new ideas for resource depletion and environmental impact. This review explores the principles, applications, and future directions of microwave treatment in mineral and ore processing. Microwave technology, characterized by rapid, uniform, selective heating, and energy efficiency, contrasts with traditional heating methods. It interacts directly with materials at the molecular level, enabling volumetric heating. The review covers applications in ore pre-treatment, drying, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, smelting, and reduction. It highlights microwave treatment's role in enhancing metal recovery, reducing energy consumption, and improving processing speeds. Future research focuses on enhanced equipment design, process optimization, integration with conventional methods, and technological innovations. The review provides insights for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers to understand microwave technology's potential in mineral metallurgy, emphasizing its contribution to innovation and sustainability. Microwave heating differs from conventional methods by rapidly penetrating materials and interacting with molecular and crystalline structures, causing molecular vibration and frictional heating. Selective heating allows targeted heating effects, improving metal extraction efficiency. The review discusses the heating mechanisms, including material absorption, dielectric parameters, heating rate, and penetration depth. Microwave treatment exhibits rapid heating, selective heating, and non-contact heating, which are beneficial in various mineral-processing stages. Applications include ore pre-treatment, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, smelting, and drying. Microwave treatment enhances process efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes environmental impact. Future directions involve advanced equipment design, process modeling, integration with conventional methods, and technological innovation. The integration of microwave technology into mineral processing signifies a shift toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly practices, offering a promising avenue for the future of mineral metallurgy.