To reveal the occurrence forms, release mechanisms, and migration pathways of heavy metals in the soil surrounding tailings ponds, this work proposes a research method for the release and migration regularity of heavy metal elements in soil of tailings ponds area of metal mine. This method takes a large copper mine as the study area, divides the tailings pond into 50 m × 50 m 50m×50m grids. Sampling points were set at the center of each grid and at different positions along vertical sections. Surface soil samples from the top 20 c m 20cm were collected, pretreated, and analyzed for heavy metal content using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Simultaneously, a leaching test apparatus was designed to leach the soil column with leachate of different pH values (4.5, 6.0, 7.5) and leaching intensities (55 mm/h, 110 mm/h, 180 mm/h). The release concentrations of Pb and Zn in the leachate were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer at different depths of soil and under different leaching conditions to analyze the release and migration patterns of heavy metal elements in the soil. Experiments have shown that soil particle size affects the migration of heavy metals. Fine particles have strong adsorption capacity, limiting the migration of heavy metals, while coarse particles facilitate migration. Under acidic conditions (pH 4.5), the release concentration of Pb and Zn is higher, making it easier to migrate from the upper layer to the lower layer of the soil column. As the leaching intensity increases, the release concentration of Pb and Zn at each outlet increases, and the migration amount increases. Vertically, with increasing soil depth, the release concentrations of Pb and Zn in each soil column show a decreasing trend. Acidic conditions accelerate the migration of heavy metals from the upper layer to the lower layer, increase pH, reduce heavy metal release, and result in relatively high residual concentrations. This study clarifies the release and migration behaviors of heavy metals in the soil of tailings ponds under different environmental conditions and the key driving factors. The research results have significant theoretical value for scientifically assessing the soil pollution risks around tailings ponds and predicting the long-term migration trends of heavy metals. They also provide reliable data support and scientific basis for formulating targeted ecological restoration and pollution prevention and control strategies in the tailings pond area.