Abstract: Development of intelligent coal preparation plants has got started, yet for completing this arduous task, persistent efforts need to be made over a long period of time. The paper starts with an account of the relevant concept of the term intelligent, with the main points focused on the purpose and intension of making coal preparation plant intelligent. Following that, the basic framework of an intelligent coal preparation plant is proposed. Result of study indicates that the key to the development of an intelligent plant lies in taking the coal preparation related special technologies as the core, with enhancement of coal separation sharpness and recovery rate of clean coal product as key points while laying stress on such aspects like big data system, intelligent control, and management, and perfection of outfit of intelligent systems. Endeavors should be made to build an integrated intelligent system with kernel coal preparation business as the key point.