Abstract: In order to further clarify the distribution and enrichment characteristics of harmful trace elements in Shanxi coal and promote the clean and efficient utilization of coal,four common harmful elements such as fluorine,chlorine,arsenic and mercury in Shanxi coal were discussed.It is found that the harmful elements in Shanxi coal have the characteristics of low fluorine and high chlorine,and carboniferous Permian coal are low fluorine,low arsenic,low mercury,high chlorine,and Jurassic coal are high mercurg,high arsenic,high chlorine and low fluoride.Chlorine is mainly enriched in Xishan mining area and Huozhou mining area.Arsenic is mainly concentrated in Datong Jurassic mine and Qinshui coal field Wuxia mining area.Mercury is mainly concentrated in Pingshuo mining area and Xishan mining area.The main factors controlling the enrichment of harmful elements in Shanxi coal are coal accumulation environment,sedimentary source properties and magmatic hydrothermal activity.It is suggested that the occurrence of harmful elements in coal should be further studied in order to improve the effect of coal washing and improve the washing method.The harmful elements should be fixed at the same time,and the secondary pollution should be prevented and reduced.In the use of useful elements extracting from fly ash,technical,economic and environmental indicators should be comprehensive evaluated.