Harmful trace element in coal is one of the important topics in the fields of coal geology, geochemistry, energy and environment.Through the investigation of domestic and foreign literature, this paper systematically summarizes the progress and conclusions of various research contents within the research framework.Compared with the world coal, the average concentrations of Co, Mo, Pb, Sn, Th, U, V and Zn in Chinese coal are higher.The spatial distribution of harmful trace elements in Chinese coal is very uneven, and the distribution characteristics of various elements are different.The content of harmful trace elements in Chinese coal generally presents a distribution characteristic of gradual increase from north to south, and there are abnormal enrichment in local areas throughout the country.The spatial distribution pattern of harmful trace elements in coal is the result of the joint action of multiple factors, such as the source rock, biological sedimentation, hydrothermal action, and groundwater action.The occurrence mechanism of harmful trace elements in coal is extremely complex, which is the fundamental reason affecting the removal of harmful substances, the migration and transformation of elements.As an important supplement to scientific methodology in the new era, coal-big data has important potential value for the research of harmful trace elements in coal.The occurrence state and specific chemical forms, the environmental effects and the big data management of harmful trace elements in coal are still the key research contents in this field in the future.