Abstract: Against the backdrop of the deepening “Dual Carbon” strategy and the accelerated transformation of the energy structure, China′s coal industry is undergoing a profound shift, extending from its primary role as a fuel towards increased utilization as a raw material and feedstock. As the crucial first step in the clean and efficient utilization of coal, coal preparation holds growing strategic importance. Based on the policydirection following the implementation of the Energy Law of the People′s Republic of China in 2025, and considering the explosive growth of new energy industries and the technological upgrades in coal-consuming sectors (such as coal-fired power, metallurgy, and coal chemicals), this study systematically investigates the development path for the coal preparation industry. It addresses existing challenges, including fluctuations in the raw coal washing rate, fragmented intelligent construction, and insufficient alignment of process selection with market demands. The analysis synthesizes the resource distribution characteristics of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, which account for over 82% of national output, and the application status of leading technologies like dry coal separation and dense medium separation. It underscores that the industry must closely align with the core requirement of low-carbon development. At the process design level, it proposes prioritizing dry separation for steam coal and coal for chemical use, and promoting a “dry coarse separation + wet fine separation” model for metallurgical coal, while strengthening integrated mine-preparation-backfill design and coupled applications with new energy. In terms of the management system, it suggests establishing specialized coal quality and preparation centers to promote deeper integration of mining and preparation, alongside enhanced IT-based management and control. From a production and operation perspective, it recommends building a market-oriented, customized product system and value-added utilization chains for by-products. In the realm of technological innovation, the focus should be on developing large-scale equipment, intelligent decision-making systems, and separation technologies for specific coal types. Furthermore, from a policy support standpoint, proposals include establishing a full-chain coal quality management system, differentiated fiscal and tax incentive mechanisms, and interdisciplinary talent cultivation models. The study aims to promote a multi-dimensional coordinated optimization, driving the coal preparation industry towards low-carbon processes, professional management, high-value products, and intelligent efficiency. This provides a practical pathway for improving coal resource utilization efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across the entire industrial chain, thereby supporting the synergistic achievement of China′s “Dual Carbon” goals and energy security strategy.