Abstract: To promote the transformation of coal preparation plants from fragmented intelligence to full-process collaborative intelligence, and to support the high-quality development of the coal industry alongside the clean and efficient utilization of energy, this paper systematically explores the practical significance and construction paths of the “Lights-out” coal preparation plant as an advanced stage of intelligent coal preparation. Based on a review of the current status of intelligent construction in China′s coal preparation plants, the study identifies core challenges, including immature key technologies, insufficient depth of intelligence, misalignment between management systems and intelligent requirements, high investment pressure with poor operational sustainability, and an incomplete standard system that hinders replication and promotion. The paper proposes a phased, progressive, and pragmatic approach across three dimensions: space, business, and technology. It outlines a three-level gradient path—“Single Link — Multi-system — Plant-wide Intelligentization” (L1—L2—L3)—to advance construction. Furthermore, targeted countermeasures and suggestions are provided from four perspectives: technical breakthroughs and standardization, policy guidance and incentive mechanisms, management model innovation and talent cultivation, and demonstration leadership and classified promotion. This study aims to foster a replicable and scalable construction model for “Lights-out” coal preparation plants, providing theoretical support and practical references for achieving unmanned full-process operations, self-adaptive optimization, and intrinsic safety in coal preparation.