Iron tailings are mineral wastes obtained from industrial processing and magnetic separation of iron ore. A type of superplasticizer with high water reducing rate and early strength gaining property is characterized in this study. The influence of admixtures, i.e. superplasticizer, early strength agent and accelerating agent, on the mechanical strength, setting and hardening time of foam concrete containing iron tailings has been investigated. Further, the microstructure of foam concrete is observed. This study demonstrates high-strength foam concrete with excellent thermal insulation property can be prepared using iron tailings, cement, fly ash, silica fume, polypropylene fiber, superplasticizer, early strength agent, accelerating agent and foaming agent, which develops a new route for the comprehensive utilization of iron tailings.