Abstract: For determination of coal preparation process, the influences of a multiple of factors like raw coal type and property, product use and coal use standards need to be taken into overall consideration, with, however, simplicity, high efficiency, reliability and flexibility as the basic principle. With respect to cleaning of coking and power coal, the processes applied by several coal cleaning plants are cited as typically exemplary examples. In order to meet the needs for development of high-efficiency intelligent coal preparation plants, the direction in which the optimization work should be made in the following key links is proposed — X-ray separator for gangue removal, flotation of hard-to-float fine coal, dewatering filter press, reduction of generation of coal slime; unsized low-rank coal dry separation, use of manipulator for dirt removal and intelligentization of coal cleaning plant. Moreover, it is proposed that the design work in these fields be strengthened by state and industrial levels to bring up the idea for promoting high-value utilization of coal refuse according to quality.