Abstract: The comprehensive utilization technology of iron ore tailings has played an important role in the green mine construction and social and economic sustainable development in China. On these accounts of large emission, low scale utilization rate and complex composition of tailings and low added value of iron ore tailings based products, It has become an urgent objective requirement of green mines to realize the comprehensive and efficient utilization of iron ore tailings. In this paper, the current research status of iron ore tailings in two aspects involving process mineralogy characteristics and recycling technology were summarized, including the particle size, mineral composition, associated elements and chemical composition of different types of iron ore tailings, as well as the recovery of beneficial components from tailings. In addition, the current research status of iron ore tailings in used as building materials, filling materials, fertilizer and soil amendments, mesoporous materials, 3D printing materials and so on were discussed. Meanwhile, the problems existing in iron ore tailings comprehensive utilization technology were point out, and the direction of efficient utilization was suggested. The above work provides reference for efficient utilization of iron ore tailings with different mineral composition and different types.