China’s rapid industrialization and economic expansion have historically relied on resource-intensive sectors, with mining playing a central role. However, the environmental degradation, ecological imbalances, and social disruptions caused by extensive mining activities have emerged as significant challenges to the country’s sustainable development agenda. In alignment with China’s modernization drive and the pursuit of high-quality, green development, this study examines the ecological restoration and sustainable transformation of mining areas. It explores national policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and technological innovations that are driving the rehabilitation of degraded mining ecosystems. Drawing on case studies from key provinces, the study evaluates strategies such as land reclamation, biodiversity restoration, water resource management, and post-mining industrial restructuring. The research highlights the integration of ecological civilization principles with local development goals, emphasizing participatory governance, circular economy practices, and adaptive land-use planning. Findings suggest that successful transformation requires a systemic, multi-stakeholder approach that aligns ecological priorities with socioeconomic revitalization. The paper concludes that the ecological restoration of mining areas is not only critical to mitigating environmental risks but also pivotal to constructing a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, thus reinforcing the broader vision of sustainable modernization in China.