[Objective] The characteristics of runoff and sediment production on the slopes of mine dumps with different recovery periods in alpine regions were analyzed in order to provide scientific basis for the efficient and rational restoration of vegetation, as well as for improving the soil and water conservation efforts, on such mine dumps. [Methods] Seven dumps of the Delni copper mine in Machin County, Guoluo Xizang Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, with recovery periods ranging from 2 to 15 years, were selected as the research subjects. Runoff, sediment, and hydrodynamic characteristics of dump slopes with different recovery periods were determined through simulated rainfall tests, and their influencing factors were analysed. [Results] The runoff and sediment yield of the dump slopes in the study area were relatively complex and random. Large variations were observed in runoff and sediment yield per unit area with rainfall duration in the different recovery years. No significant relationship was observed between the cumulative runoff per unit area of dump slope and recovery period. The cumulative sediment per unit area and average volume diameter of the eroded sediment decreased with increasing recovery period. A significant power function relationship was observed between the average volume diameter of the eroded sediment and recovery period (p<0.05). The runoff generation period increased linearly with the recovery period (p<0.05). Laminar flow was the main runoff flow pattern at the dump slopes each year, and all patterns demonstrated tranquil flow. The Reynolds number and flow shear stress of runoff showed significant exponential and linear decreases, respectively, with an increase in the recovery period (p<0.05). No significant relationship was observed between the velocity and Froude number during the runoff and recovery periods. With increasing recovery period, the erosion and sediment-carrying capacity of runoff on the dump slope decreased. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05) were observed between the slope gradient and cumulative sediment per unit area, runoff velocity, and Reynolds number of the dump slope. [Conclusion] When applied to artificial vegetation restoration, the anti-erosion ability of dump slopes in alpine regions showed a positive trend with increasing recovery years. When vegetation regreening was incomplete, the impact of the slope gradient on runoff and sediment production characteristics, including the hydrodynamic characteristics, outweighed that of vegetation coverage.