For thousands of years, the development and utilization of coal have significantly contributed to human progress; however, they have also engendered a series of ecological, social, economic, and environmental problems, such as Soil Heavy Metal (SHM) pollution. At present, there is a lack of large-scale investigations, systematic sampling, spatial distribution, and driving force analyses specific to SHM contamination in semi-arid grassland surface coal mining groups. The existing studies cannot fully grasp the distribution characteristics of soil heavy metal pollution within these mining clusters, let alone the hazards posed by surface coal mining to surrounding farmland and pastureland. Given this, this study focuses on the Shengli Coal Field in Xilinhot City, situated in the heart of the Xilingole Grassland, as a case study to examine the spatial distribution (SD) and driving forces of SHM in semi-arid grassland surface coal mining areas. The key findings are as follows: (1) The spatial distribution patterns reveal that As is primarily concentrated in the southern regions of the surface germanium mine and the western area of the No. 2 surface mine. Cd was mainly distributed in the grassland and waste dump in the northwest of the No. 1 surface mine. Cu was mainly distributed in the northwest and northeast of the study area. The SD of Zn was relatively similar to that of Cu. Pb is mainly distributed in the grassland and waste dump in the northwest of the No.1 surface mine. Se was mainly distributed in the north of the west at No. 2 and No. 3 surface mines. Ge was mainly distributed in the surface germanium mine and its surrounding areas. Cd is mainly present in the grassland and waste dumps located in the northwest of the No. 1 surface mine. Cu exhibits a prominent distribution in the northwest and northeast of the study area, while the SD of Zn is relatively similar to that of Cu. Pb is predominantly found in the grassland and waste dumps northwest of the No. 1 surface mine. Se is concentrated in the northern regions of the west No. 2 and No. 3 surface mines. Ge is primarily distributed within the surface germanium mine and its vicinity. (2) The driving factors influencing the SD of SHM in the study area encompass vegetation cover, water resources, surface mining, urbanization, agriculture, and industrial activities. These factors interact and contribute to the observed spatial patterns of SHM contamination. This study provides a scientific foundation for assessing and restoring the soil environment in semi-arid steppe surface coal mining areas. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights and serves as a reference for ecological restoration efforts and planning initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of surface coal mining in these fragile ecosystems.