<p>Tellurium, a rare and dispersed metal, is critical for electronics, aerospace, chemical engineering, metallurgy, and medicine due to its superior properties. The growing demand for tellurium in the novel materials and energy semiconductor industries requires efficient recovery and high-purity preparation of tellurium. This review integrates mechanisms for the separation and purification of tellurium from secondary resources through a novel “resource–process–environment” synergy framework. It systematically classifies and analyzes the existing recovery and high-purity preparation of tellurium. The analysis critically assesses the economic feasibility, environmental impact and operational efficiency of each method. This comparative assessment clarifies the current technological landscape, highlighting advantages, limitations, and application. This work promotes progress in the recovery and high-purity preparation of tellurium and provides guidance for sustainable tellurium production.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>