Tailings, byproducts generated from ore processing through processes such as crushing,screening, grinding, and flotation, constitute the largest volume of industrial solid waste in China. Theypose significant challenges due to their high production and emission levels, coupled with substantialstorage volumes, leading to resource waste and environmental pollution. Effective utilization and safe,large-scale disposal of tailings are crucial for the sustainable development of China's mining industry.To align with the "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" initiative and China's "14th Five-Year Plan",promoting a green and low-carbon transformation in waste-producing industries and alleviating thepressure of solid waste disposal are primary objectives. The government has enacted relevantregulations and policies to guide the treatment and disposal of tailings. In recent years, driven by theseEnergy Environmental Protectionpolicies, mining enterprises have intensified their tailings management. However, there has been anannual increase in tailings discharge alongside a decline in the comprehensive utilization rate,highlighting new challenges for the comprehensive utilization and disposal of tailings. This paperbriefly describes the current state of tailings resource utilization. The primary utilization methodsinclude use as mining backfill and construction materials. Key issues in tailings resource utilizationinclude technical barriers, ambiguous technical standards, and the low market competitiveness ofproducts derived from tailings, contributing to the low comprehensive utilization rate. Consequently, theecological utilization of tailings is emerging as a vital strategy for implementing national strategic plans.This paper summarizes current research on the ecological utilization of tailings, with a particular focuson soil improvement and ecological restoration. It compares the properties of tailings as substrates withthose of conventional soil, identifying challenges such as adjusting pH, nutrients, and physicalproperties, as well as managing pollutants within the tailings. Recommended improvement techniquesinclude physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods. Finally, this paper proposes asynergistic strategy that integrates tailings resource utilization with ecological restoration as a key futuredirection. Enhancing technological innovation and establishing robust standards are urgently needed toexpedite the comprehensive utilization of tailings.