Biological reclamation on a 10-year-old mine spoil at Alkusha-Gopalpur, Raniganj Coalfield, Eastern India was carried out during 1992. Effects have been measured yearly in terms of species suitability, spoil chemical quality, and biodiversity of natural succession till 1997. It has been determined that out of 14 plant species selected for reclamation, the successful ones are Acacia auriculoformis, Acacia arabica, Albizzia lebbek, Leucena leucocephala, and Gmelina arborea. Impaired pH, available mass nutrients (N, P, K), organic carbon, exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity have been found to increase whereas trace elements have been found to decrease. There is an indirect relationship between the survival percentage and trace element intake capacity of the planted saplings.