Integrated Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mining-Affected Soils in China: Source Identification, Ecological Risks, and Sustainable Remediation

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of mineral resources. While large-scale development of metal mineral resources has supported rapid national economic development, it has also caused serious heavy metal pollution in soils in mining areas. This paper systematically reviews the latest research progress on heavy metal pollution in soils in mining areas, focusing on Chinese metal mining areas, covering pollution characteristics, source identification, risk assessment, and sustainable remediation technologies. Meta-analysis shows that smelting sources contribute more than 50% of soil Cd in southwestern Pb-Zn mining areas, making them priority targets for risk management. This review aims to provide theoretical support and decision-making references for precise source tracing, scientific assessment, and green remediation of heavy metal pollution affecting soils in Chinese metal mining areas.