Research Frontiers in Ecological Restoration and Carbon Sequestration in Mining Areas: A Visual Analysis Using VOSviewer

The functioning and progress of modern industrial systems are deeply reliant on mineral resources. While mining offers substantial economic and social gains, it also imposes notable environmental impacts. In the context of global climate change, sustainable mining and ecological restoration in mined areas are increasingly connected to carbon sequestration efforts. Enhancing carbon sink capacity in ecological restoration processes is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. This study aims to review the current research landscape, identify key research areas, and explore future trends in this field. Relevant literature from the Web of Science was selected, key information extracted, and co-occurrence networks were mapped and analyzed using VOSviewer. Covering publications from 2000 to the present, the analysis spans 84 countries and regions, 1,184 institutions, 3,757 authors, and 858 papers. The main research areas include: (1) strategies for ecological and vegetative restoration of mining areas; (2) carbon sequestration processes in vegetation and soil in mining areas; (3) mechanisms for soil health restoration in mining areas; (4) the role of plants and microbes in pollution remediation; (5) importance of water resource management and wetland restoration in mining areas; and (6) ecological succession and biomass accumulation in mining area rehabilitation. This study highlights major contributors, countries, and institutions, elucidates research hotspots, and outlines directions for future development. By systematically summarizing research trends and hotspots in ecological restoration and carbon sequestration in mining areas, this work provides a valuable reference for researchers seeking to navigate and advance this dynamic field.