Abstract: Polyacrylamide plays an important role in mining industry and is widely used in tail water treatment and mineral flocculation. In this paper, the types, synthesis methods, flocculation mechanism and related applications of these flocculants were reviewed. The main problems in the application of polyacrylamide flocculants in mining industry are pointed out, and it is expounded that polyacrylamide should be developed deeply in the direction of high efficiency, high selectivity, environmental protection, safety and economy.