In order to understand the present situation and ecological risk of Hg pollution in soil around the gangue hills in Fengfeng mining area. Based on the concentrations of Hg in the soil samples, the pollution status and ecological risks of Hg in the soils were assessed by single contamination index, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index and potential ecological risk index. The results showed that: firstly, the concentrations of Hg were 1.98 mg kg−1 to 65.75 mg kg−1 in the research field, and the concentrations of Hg in 97% of the soil samples exceeded the background value of the soil. Secondly, the average concentration of Hg was higher than the risk screening standard value in China. Thirdly, the comprehensive pollution index of the soil around the coal gangue hills was ES>E>EN>S>WN>3, which belonged to heavy pollution. Lastly, the potential ecological risk index of surface soil at a distance of 0-100m from coal gangue hills and deep soil at a distance of 0-80m from coal gangue hills were greater than 320, which represented extremely high potential ecological risk in the research area.