Mining causes extreme forms of soil degradation and creates new surfaces and topography. The new landforms have increased average slopes with implications for increased run-off and erosion, while mine pits and tailing dams may alter groundwater as well as surface water. Soil biota is removed or otherwise hampered, and in addition, nutrient cycling, biodiversity and resilience of vegetation are all altered by mine site disturbance. The process of rehabilitation involves the reduction of excessively steep slopes and requires significant earth movement using large machinery, which in turn causes subsoil compaction. Deep ripping to improve soil aeration and water infiltration is usually required to create suitable conditions for root growth and development in the subsurface layers. Capping the area with the original surface and/or subsoil, which supplies organic matter, microorganisms and a seedbank from the original ecosystem, will greatly support root growth and plant development. The subsoil conditions control the growth and development of the root system, which is specifically affected by high bulk density, pans, hardsetting, compaction layers, extreme texture (sandy, silty or clayey) and adverse chemical properties (high sodicity, alkalinity, salinity, acidity and other possible toxic ions and materials). The limitations of the subsoil of mined land and tailings are discussed, and case studies of rehabilitation after bauxite and iron ore mining are described to demonstrate the main practices applied and results. Overall, the types and intensity of soil constraints are site specific, and consequently the practices adopted to restore or rehabilitate each area must consider the local conditions to achieve the best outcomes.