Abstract:Contents of heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni) in soil samples from one copper mining activity area in Qinghai Province were analyzed and measured. Background-like values of the soil in control area were studied. Contents of heavy metal elements were evaluated based on Single Factor Index Method, Nemerow Multi-Factor Index Method and Muller’s Geo-Accumulation Pollution Index Method. The results show that the soil quality in mining activity area is good except that contents of As, Pb, Cu, and Cd elements in a small amount of samples from areas around waste rock yard are higher than the secondary standard of GB15618-1995. Background-like values of soil in control area are similar to those of soil elements in Qinghai Province, proving a non-heavy metal high-background area.