Establishing suitable vegetation cover is important in restoring mining areas. Ephemeral plants, which exhibit short growth cycles, high photosynthetic efficiency, large numbers of seeds, and two-season germination, exert positive effects in desert ecological restoration and as pioneer species, making them potentially valuable in restoring mining areas. To examine their benefits, we systematically reviewed the literature on the use of ephemerals in such restoration, examining vegetation selection, planting, ecological restoration management, and methods to regulate ephemeral plant growth. Damaged mining areas provide the conditions for ephemerals to play an early role in ecological restoration. Few studies have examined the application of ephemerals in mining areas, with most examining the use of existing plant resources. Technical models for applying ephemerals are discussed, considering plant selection and pretreatment, plant combinations, the application of functional microbial agents, planting parameters, maintenance of conditions such as water supply and salinity after planting, and research prospects. This review provides new direction in realizing the resource value and ecological effects of ephemerals, supporting both research and the engineering-based application of ephemerals in mining areas. These advances could improve the quality and efficiency of ecological restoration in mining areas, especially in arid regions.