Some samples were collected from Permian 10 th , 7 th and 3 rd coal seams in the Huaibei Coalfield, and the contents of 42 elements were determined by the instrumental neutron activation analysis (INNA). The distribution and variation ranges of the elements in the samples were compared with those of the Carboniferous- Permian coal from North China and the Chinese coals, and the relationship between the elements and ashes, the association characteristics and the distribution patterns were analyzed. The results show that the elements Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Th, V, W, Zn and Ti are relatively abundant in the coal field. There exists a positive correlation between Al, Ti, K, Na and ashes, but things are quite opposite for Ca, Mg and Fe. Almost all rare earth elements are in a positive correlation with the ash and have similar distribution patterns, characterized by obvious Eu negative anomalies. It is thus concluded that the sources of the associated elements are terrigenous materials.