<p>In the leaching process of germanium, silicon and iron significantly influence its leaching efficiency. This study elucidates the intrinsic relationship between the leaching behavior of germanium in zinc oxide dust and the inhibition mechanisms of iron and silicon through a single-stage sulfuric acid oxygen pressure leaching process. Experimental results demonstrate that hydrolysis of Fe³⁺ to form iron oxide precipitates and generation of silicic acid colloids are key factors limiting germanium leaching: under high-temperature conditions, intensified Fe³⁺ hydrolysis induces germanium coprecipitation, while dissolved silicic acid binds with germanium, suppressing its leaching. By optimizing conditions, germanium leaching efficiency reached 92.4%, with iron and silicon leaching rates effectively controlled at 36.17% and 17.01%, respectively. XRD and SEM-EDS characterizations confirmed that residual FeSiO₃ and SiO₂ in the leach residue immobilize germanium through physical encapsulation or chemical adsorption. This study clarifies the dynamic equilibrium mechanism among silicon, iron and germanium leaching efficiency during the germanium leaching process from germanium-containing zinc oxide dust and provides a theoretical basis for minimizing the formation of silicon and iron impurities and improving germanium leaching efficiency in subsequent practical industrial production of germanium leaching from zinc oxide dust.</p>