Abstract:As a high-value dispersed elements in high-tech emerging industries, germanium has been listed as a strategic critical mineral resource by many countries. Meanwhile, research on the extraction and utilization of germanium resources in coal and its by-products has become a hotspot issue in the industry. The enrichment mode and occurrence state of germanium in coal was summarized, and previous researches on extraction and utilization methods of germanium in coal and its by-products were systematically reviewed. By comparing the advantages and deficiencies of existing technologies, the current difficulties and future development trend of relative studies were discussed, which could be benefit to lay a foundation for the efficient extraction and comprehensive utilization of germanium in coal and its by-products.