Advances in ecological restoration of mining-impacted landscapes: Techniques, case studies, and key challenges

Mining activities have caused extensive environmental degradation worldwide, including severe habitat loss, soil erosion, biodiversity decline, and contamination of soil and water resources. Ecological restoration is therefore critical to rehabilitate these landscapes and recover ecosystem functionality. This review synthesizes recent advances in restoration techniques, encompassing physical (landform reconstruction, slope stabilization), chemical (pH neutralization, soil amendments, contaminant immobilization), and biological approaches (revegetation, microbial inoculation, phytoremediation), as well as emerging technologies such as drone-assisted seeding, remote sensing-based monitoring, and genetic improvement of stress-tolerant species. Case studies from diverse regions demonstrate that context-specific strategies can enhance vegetation recovery, soil health, and biodiversity, while also contributing to ecosystem services such as water regulation and carbon sequestration. Despite these advances, significant gaps remain, particularly the reliance on short-term recovery indicators, insufficient integration of ecosystem services into assessment frameworks, and limited evaluation of long-term resilience under climate change. To address these challenges, we highlight the importance of standardized evaluation protocols, long-term monitoring, and adaptive management. Integrating ecological restoration with socio-economic benefits such as agroforestry, eco-tourism, and community participation will be essential to achieve resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems in mining-impacted regions.