Abstract: In order to explore the connotative characteristics, core architecture and construction content of an intelligent coal preparation plant as well as the effect that can be obtained, the practice of Xiegou Coal Preparation Plant in its efforts to build an intelligent plant is cited as a prime case for study. It points out that upgrading of operation environment and hardware of base equipment, building of network platform and building of plant and network environment with intelligent compatibilities are the carriers for supporting the decision-making system in building an intelligent plant; building of an all-round and full-coverage information network security protection system can provide a strong data support for decision-making in realization of intelligentization; the core in building an intelligent plant lies in data modeling and analysis, and R & D of various decision-making algorithms and procedures for ensuring that the coal cleaning processes are completely under control and for continuous improvement of reliability of equipment; and data visualization, interactive coordination and online ash monitoring, big data deep learning and machine-vision fault early warning are key technologies for building an intelligent plant. It is noted that construction of an intelligent plant can provide a basis for allowing the plant to cut down operating cost, improve production efficiency, ease workload and downsize working personnel. Yet there is still a long way to go before it becomes a mature intelligent plant.