Phytoremediation success on coal mine overburden dumps (OBD) largely depends on the selection of suitable plant species adapted to nutrient-poor and metal-contaminated substrates. The present research reported the phytoremediation potential of eight pioneer species (Phyllanthus emblica , Sesbania sp., Tamarindus indica , Pongamia pinnata , Anthocephalus cadamba , Terminalia bellirica , Albizia procera , and Eucalyptus globulus) growing on reclaimed OBD. Rhizosphere soil samples were analyzed for pH (4.2–8.7), electrical conductivity (EC) (271.6 µS/cm), organic carbon (∼0.8 %), and heavy metal (HM) concentrations. Bioconcentration factor for shoot (BCF S ), root (BCF R ) and translocation factor (TF) were used to evaluate HM accumulation and mobility patterns. Phyllanthus emblica showed the highest As accumulation (BCF R = 22.4, TF = 0.3), while Sesbania sp. and Tamarindus indica demonstrated efficient phytoextraction potential for Pb and Cd (TF ≥ 1.0). Anthocephalus cadamba and Terminalia bellirica effectively stabilized Cr, Cu, and Co in roots (BCF R > 3.5; TF 6.5) favouring As mobility. Soil EC increases the availability of Co, Cr, and Ni, while decreasing that of As (r = -0.24) and Cu (r = -0.40), indicating that alkaline conditions differentially modulate metal mobility in soil. These findings emphasize species-specific and complementary roles of phytoextractors and stabilizers in designing sustainable OBD reclamation strategies.