Abstract:[Objective] The formation age, process and soil nutrients of wetland in Muli-Jiangcang coal mine area in Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were studied in order to provide scientific basis for vegetation restoration of open-pit coal mine spoil heaps.[Methods] The strata analysis, optically stimulated luminescence(OSL) dating method and soil nutriology were applied to study the forming progresses of humus layers in alpine wetlands.[Results] ① The Jiangcang coal mine area was composed of alluvial gravels, loess, peat sediment, and humus layers, which had an OSL age of 1.7±0.1 ka. The Muli coal mine area was composed of weathered crust and humus layers which had the ages of 2.0±0.2 ka. ② There were high contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and total phosphorus in the humus layers.[Conclusion] The forming age of the humus layers of the wetlands underwent two thousand years at least, indicating a long evolution history. The plants of the wetlands depended on the abundant nutrients of humus layers. It is suggested to adjust measures to local conditions, and increase soil thickness and soil fertility as soon in order to recover the vegetation on coal mine spoil heaps.