The Role of Revegetation in Rebuilding Ecosystem Functionality in Post Mining Environments: A Synthesis of Global Evidence

Abstract

Coal mining, especially through open pit and underground methods, has left behind severely degraded landscapes, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America. These environments suffer from disrupted soil structures, toxic residues, and impaired ecosystem functionality. Although revegetation is widely implemented as a restoration strategy, global insights into its effectiveness across ecological and socioeconomic dimensions remain fragmented. This study aims to synthesize global empirical evidence on the role of revegetation in rebuilding ecosystem functionality in post-mining landscapes. Utilizing a narrative review approach, the study analyzes 12 peer reviewed articles from 2014 to 2024 sourced from Scopus. Key findings reveal that revegetation significantly improves plant biodiversity, enhances soil quality and microbial activity, and contributes to carbon sequestration and ecosystem resilience. Moreover, it offers socioeconomic benefits such as land reutilization, employment generation, and community engagement. This review contributes an integrative understanding of revegetation’s multidimensional impacts, bridging ecological, biological, and social aspects. The paper offers novel insights for adaptive restoration strategies and calls for future research into trait-based species selection, soil microbiome dynamics, and long-term monitoring frameworks. Such integrative approaches are vital for achieving sustainable ecological recovery and informing evidence-based policy in post-mining .