<p>In high-altitude, cold uninhabited areas, the lack of national risk screening standards for certain elements in soil environments makes it difficult to distinguish between natural enrichment and anthropogenic pollution risks using traditional background value substitution methods. This study focused on the Buluntai area in Qinghai Province, where 2973 surface soil samples were systematically collected and analysed for 21 elements (13 of which lack national standards). Multifractal analysis was employed to reveal their spatial heterogeneity, based on which localised risk screening values were scientifically established. The results indicated that the background values and risk screening values determined using the multifractal method more accurately reflected the natural baseline characteristics of the region. The fractal dimensions D₁ and D₂ further quantified the spatial aggregation characteristics of elements; Cr, Ni, and Th exhibit low D₂ values, thus posing potential ecological risks and indicating the strong spatial expansion potential of their anomalies. Ba, Be, Th, F, U, Pb, and Cr were identified as priority monitoring and warning targets due to their relatively small safety margins, strong spatial expansion potential, and elevated health or ecological risks. This method effectively distinguished natural baselines from potential risk thresholds. For the first time, a comprehensive element-specific risk screening value system has been established for the Buluntai area, filling the gap in soil environmental benchmark data for high-altitude, cold uninhabited areas. The methodological framework developed in this study is universally applicable and can provide a theoretical basis for subsequent pollution identification and precise management in anthropogenically disturbed areas.</p>