This study assessed heavy metal concentrations in soil from a coal mine in Effa communities and the health impacts associated with it. The study examined sixty-four (64) soil samples randomly collected from the accessible areas of the mine site and the villages that made up the communities.

The concentration of heavy metals in soil samples were determined using PG500 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) analysis revealed Cd ranged from 0.024 – 8.193 mg/kg, Cr from Bdl – 14.200 mg/kg, Cu from 0.018 –

2.926 mg/kg, Fe from 0.816 – 4.520 mg/kg, Mn ranged from 0.181 – 1.854 mg/kg, Pb from 0.032 – 0.454 mg/kg, and Zn ranged from Bdl – 3.141mg/kg with the average values of 0.76mg/kg, 2.22mg/kg, 0.35mg/kg, 2.20mg/kg, 0.65mg/kg, 0.26mg/kg and 1.36mg/kg respectively. The assessment of the contamination status of the study area was estimated for contamination factor with values range from 0.053-18.0007 for Cd, BDL-169.048 for Cr, 0.439-71.366 for Cu, 11.657-

64.571 for Fe, 0.368-3.768 for Mn, 0.157-1.493 for Pb and BDL-4.660 for Zn. Enrichment factor average value for Cd (0.070), Cr (0.878), Cu (0.220), Mn (0.047), Pb (0.041) and Zn (0.087), geo-accumulation index with the average value -1.732, 2.489, 0.647, 4.090, -0.685, -1.189 and -

1.042 for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Fe and Zn respectively. The pollution load index range from 0.537-

4.457. The PLI (value) investigated in this study showed the area was quite highly polluted.

Therefore, periodic assessment and health risk of heavy metals is highly recommended to enable decision makers manage the environment in order to preserve public and ecosystem health.