The invention discloses a method for processing iron separation tailings containing carbonate. The method comprises the steps of (1) performing first-stage magnetic separation on the iron separation tailings containing carbonate so as to obtain first-stage magnetic separation tailings and first-stage magnetic separation concentrate; (2) grinding and grading the first-stage magnetic separation concentrate, and then performing second-stage magnetic separation so as to obtain second-stage magnetic separation concentrate and second-stage magnetic separation tailings; (3) mixing the second-stage magnetic separation concentrate with dispersing agents, inhibitors and collecting agents for first-stage reverse flotation so as to obtain first-stage reverse flotation concentrate pulp and first-stagereverse flotation tailings; (4) mixing the first-stage reverse flotation concentrate pulp with pH regulators, the inhibitors, activating agents and the collecting agents for second-stage reverse flotation and scavenging so as to obtain second-stage reverse flotation concentrate pulp and scavenging tailings; and (5) performing thickening and filtering treatment on the second-stage reverse flotationconcentrate pulp so as to obtain iron concentrate. By adopting the method, the iron concentrate of which the iron grade is greater than 57% can be obtained, the economic benefit of an enterprise is increased, and the influence of the iron separation tailings containing carbonate on the environment is reduced.