Abstract: In response to the increasing proportion of low−grade ores being processed and the rising costs of mineral processing, the development of efficient pre−concentration technology has become a key method for improving resource utilization efficiency. This paper reviews the theoretical basis and research progress of Microwave−infrared thermal imaging (MW−IRT) sorting technology. It describes the selective heating mechanism resulting from microwave−ore interaction, as well as the physical principle by which infrared thermal imaging converts the temperature distribution of mineral particles into a visual temperature field. Currently, this technology is in a critical transitional stage from laboratory−scale research to industrial application. Laboratory experiments and pilot−scale studies on various ores, including gold, copper−nickel, iron, and porphyry copper ores, have confirmed the feasibility of this technology in terms of mineral identification accuracy and pre−concentration efficiency. With continuous development and refinement, microwave−infrared thermal imaging sorting technology holds significant potential to provide a new solution for intelligent ore sorting and efficient resource utilization.