The concentration and distribution of trace elements in 144 coal samples from the Zhangji mining area were studied. Compared with average concentrations of trace elements in coals from China and abroad, the coal from the Zhangji mining area contains higher concentrations of B, Se and As. Vertical variations of trace elements in seven coal seams indicate that the distribution of trace elements in coal seams has some regularity; especially in No. 9 coal seam, Ba and Cr values are minimum while Mn, Zn, As and Se values are maximum. On the basis of these distribution characteristics of trace elements, the elements Mn, Zn, Se, Ba and Cr can be used as indicators for division of coal seams in the Zhangji mining area.