Abstract: The management of abandoned mines in the Luohe River Basin, located in the eastern section of the Qinling Mountains, is a crucial component of the integrated protection and restoration project for key ecological zones, which includes mountains, water, forests, fields, lakes, grasses and sands, This is vital for the high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin. In order to provide a scientific and user-friendly method for guiding the ecological restoration of abandoned mines, firstly, the ecological characteristics corresponding to different degrees of degradation in these mines. Next, based on the defined thresholds for limiting factors, a conceptual model for selecting restoration methods is constructed based on the theory of cup-and-ball. And then, the needs for ecological protection, safety and people’s welfare across three development dimensions are constructed. Finally, taking four typical abandoned mines in and around Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia, as examples, the appropriate ecological restoration model is determined by using the threshold effect and development needs. The applicability of the method is verified through effectiveness evaluation. The results show that natural restoration is preferred for mild degradation, assisted regeneration for moderate degradation, and ecological reconstruction for severe degradation. When model choices align from both perspectives, the preferred model is selected; if they differ, the program with less artificial intervention is favored. The tracking tests and effectiveness assessments in the mining areas around the Shanzhou District of Sanmenxia City show that significantly improvements in soil erosion control and vegetation coverage. These findings are crucial for promoting a healthy ecology in the Luohe River Basin of the eastern section of the Qinling Mountains, enhancing environmental protection and comprehensive management of key ecological zones, and optimizating the spatial development pattern of land in the basin.