Contamination of soil with a number of toxic metals, including cadmium and lead, is known to be an existing problem for many parts of Hunan province, China. High levels of these metals have also been reported for rice grown in many parts of the province. This study investigated metal concentrations in surface soils, waters, and rice crops in the vicinity of an industrial complex in Hunan province, within which are situated a number of non‐ferrous metal smelters and processing facilities.