The analysis of the current state of the coal industry in China has been carried out. The basic economic indicators of activity of coal-mining complexes, located in the central region of China, which are the main source of energy resources in the country, are estimated. The basic qualitative indicators of work of enterprises of the coal industry are investigated: level of use of the basic production funds, labour productivity, profitability, specific indicators of profit. Priority directions of economic policy on increase of efficiency of coal-mining complexes of the central region of China were substantiated. It is specified that in the conditions of decrease in domestic demand for coal, it is necessary to develop production of alternative energy sources, to carry out diversification of production, to increase labor productivity, to reduce the number of employees in coal industry and to introduce advanced technologies.