Optimizing Vegetation Restoration: A Comprehensive Index System for Reclaiming Abandoned Mining Areas in Arid Regions of China

Mining activities in arid regions of China have led to severe environmental degradation, including soil erosion, vegetation loss, and contamination of soil and water resources. These impacts are particularly pronounced in abandoned mining areas, where the cessation of mining operations has left vast landscapes unrehabilitated. In response, the Chinese government has implemented a series of legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the “Mine Environmental Protection and Restoration Program”, aimed at promoting ecological restoration in these areas. However, the unique environmental conditions of arid regions, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and poor soil quality, present significant challenges to restoration efforts. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the ecological restoration of abandoned mining areas in China’s arid regions, focusing on the legal framework, restoration techniques, and evaluation systems. The restoration methods, their initiation timelines, monitoring systems, and the cost–benefit aspects of various strategies are critically reviewed alongside case studies from regions such as the Mu Us Desert and Qaidam Basin. Key strategies like phytoremediation, soil rehabilitation, and water resource management are assessed for their effectiveness, while challenges in enforcement, socioeconomic integration, and community engagement are discussed. This review concludes that while significant progress has been made, further improvements in restoration practices and evaluation systems are essential for long-term sustainability. Integration of socioeconomic indicators, community involvement, and advanced monitoring technologies are necessary for successful outcomes.