The main energy structure is dominated by coal in China,and the dependence of oil and natural gas resources on foreign countries has increased year by year. In order to alleviate the contradiction between supply and demand of energy and ensure national energy security,there are new challenges and opportunities for coal chemical industry in China. The indirect coal liquefaction technology based on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is one of the effective methods to alleviate the shortage of petroleum resources and promote the clean and efficient utilization of coal resources. The post-filtration system of Fischer-tropsch synthesis slurry reactor will produce a mass of solid waste named Fischer-Tropsch synthetic wax residue,which contains 40%-60% percent paraffin. It is a kind of hazardous solid waste and is prone to generate spontaneous combustion of long-term storage. At present,the mian treatment of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis wax residue is only by mixing it with burning or burying it,which has caused a great waste of resources and security risks. In this paper,the slurry bed technology of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis,the formation of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis wax residue and the existing problems were introduced. The research progress on the recovery and utilization of Fischer-Tropsch wax residue at home and abroad was reviewed. The advantages and limitations of centrifugation,surfactant method,Superheated steam injection,ultrasonic treatment,extraction and pyrolysis technology for paraffin recovery were analyzed and compared. It is suggested that the coupling of separation technology can increase the recovery rate of paraffin on the basis of reducing the damage to the chemical structure of paraffin.The waste clay after recovering paraffin wax should be reused as construction,ceramics,rubber fillers,etc.,or recycled as fresh clay for dye adsorption and bleaching agent. It is of great significance that harmless treatment and resource utilization of wax residue can not only recycle high quality paraffin,but also alleviate resource shortage and environmental pollution. The comprehensive utilization route with the advantages of simple operation,high utilization rate,no secondary pollution and certain economic benefits,is an effective way and urgent demand for the resource utilization of Fischer-Tropsch wax residue.