Significance and Impact of the Study: We evaluated the bioleaching of tellurium (Te) from mine tailings by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, investigated the bioleaching behaviour of Te and explored the possible mechanism involved. The results showed that bioleaching is a feasible method to recover Te from mine tailings, and the leaching behaviour of Te is similar to that of sulphur in sulphide minerals. There is an indirect mechanism involved in bioleaching of Te. This study not only shows a biotechnological potential that is gainfully utilized in the recovery of Te from mine tailings, but also expands the knowledge on the range of bacterial leaching theory known for sulphide minerals.