Abstract: The wide distribution and large storage of iron tailings in China has caused serious land occupation and environmental pollution. As lightweight aggregate, iron tailings−based ceramsite has the characteristics of light weight, high strength, low water absorption and good frost resistance. It can be widely used in building materials, horticulture, water treatment and other fields. The types of ceramsite and the applicability of iron tailings as raw materials for preparing ceramsite were expounded. The preparation process and product performance of roasting ceramsite and unburned ceramsite prepared by iron tailings were introduced. The reaction mechanism of iron tailings−based ceramsite in roasting and unburned process was analyzed. The formation principle and research status of pore structure of iron tailings−based ceramsite were summarized. The application status of iron tailings−based ceramsite was systematically summarized. The problems to be solved in future research and development directions are proposed. The preparation of ceramsite from iron tailings has profound significance for promoting the recycling of iron tailings resources and mine environmental protection.