Phytostabilization of mine tailings in arid and semiarid environments is an emerging remediation technology that uses plants to stabilize tailings and metal contaminants. Mine tailings, the byproducts of ore extraction, are often found in arid and semiarid regions and pose significant environmental risks due to their high metal content, low organic matter, and acidic pH. These conditions make natural revegetation difficult, and traditional remediation methods are costly and often temporary. Phytostabilization offers a more sustainable alternative by using plants to immobilize metals, reduce erosion, and promote long-term soil development. Plants suitable for phytostabilization must be native, drought-, salt-, and metal-tolerant, and should limit metal accumulation in shoot tissues. Factors such as plant growth stage, amendments, irrigation, and evaluation are critical for successful implementation. Native plants are preferred to avoid invasive species and promote local biodiversity. Halophytes, such as Atriplex spp., are particularly valuable in saline environments. Additionally, plants that do not hyperaccumulate metals are essential to prevent metal toxicity in the ecosystem. Organic amendments, such as compost and biosolids, can improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance plant growth. However, their use must be carefully managed to avoid increased metal leaching. Inorganic fertilizers should be limited, as native vegetation is adapted to low nutrients. Phosphorus fertilizers may be necessary to address deficiencies, but they can also increase arsenic uptake. Irrigation is necessary for initial plant establishment, but should be limited to avoid over-reliance on water. Long-term success of phytostabilization depends on the ability of plants to self-propagate, establish native colonizers, and reduce metal bioavailability. Microbial communities also play a crucial role in plant establishment and soil stabilization. However, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effectiveness of phytostabilization in reducing metal toxicity and promoting a self-sustaining ecosystem. Despite challenges, phytostabilization shows promise as a cost-effective and sustainable remediation method for mine tailings in arid and semiarid environments.Phytostabilization of mine tailings in arid and semiarid environments is an emerging remediation technology that uses plants to stabilize tailings and metal contaminants. Mine tailings, the byproducts of ore extraction, are often found in arid and semiarid regions and pose significant environmental risks due to their high metal content, low organic matter, and acidic pH. These conditions make natural revegetation difficult, and traditional remediation methods are costly and often temporary. Phytostabilization offers a more sustainable alternative by using plants to immobilize metals, reduce erosion, and promote long-term soil development. Plants suitable for phytostabilization must be native, drought-, salt-, and metal-tolerant, and should limit metal accumulation in shoot tissues. Factors such as plant growth stage, amendments, irrigation, and evaluation are critical for successful implementation. Native plants are preferred to avoid invasive species and promote local biodiversity. Halophytes, such as Atriplex spp., are particularly valuable in saline environments. Additionally, plants that do not hyperaccumulate metals are essential to prevent metal toxicity in the ecosystem. Organic amendments, such as compost and biosolids, can improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance plant growth. However, their use must be carefully managed to avoid increased metal leaching. Inorganic fertilizers should be limited, as native vegetation is adapted to low nutrients. Phosphorus fertilizers may be necessary to address deficiencies, but they can also increase arsenic uptake. Irrigation is necessary for initial plant establishment, but should be limited to avoid over-reliance on water. Long-term success of phytostabilization depends on the ability of plants to self-propagate, establish native colonizers, and reduce metal bioavailability. Microbial communities also play a crucial role in plant establishment and soil stabilization. However, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effectiveness of phytostabilization in reducing metal toxicity and promoting a self-sustaining ecosystem. Despite challenges, phytostabilization shows promise as a cost-effective and sustainable remediation method for mine tailings in arid and semiarid environments.