Abstract: Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a numerical method of discontinuous media mechanics, which has been widely used in the study of mineral processing and crushing process, and is used to analyze and solve the motion law, collision and crushing characteristics of particles in the discrete system. It provides an important theoretical research method for studying the crushing mechanism of minerals and optimizing the working parameters and mechanical structure of crushing equipment. This paper introduces two kinds of simulation models for simulating mineral particle breakage in discrete element numerical simulation technology: Bonded Particle Model (BPM) and Particle Replacement Model (PRM), and the basic principle, model defects, optimization progress and application of the two models are summarized. The research progress of cone crusher, jaw crusher, impact crusher and impact crusher under the influence of different mineral properties, structures and working parameters is reviewed. The advantages and limitations of DEM in ore crushing are discussed, and the development direction of mineral crushing research based on DEM is put forward.