Abstract：Coal resources are lacking in Altay region, and hence the study of coal-bearing characteristics in this area is of great significance. On the basis of regional geology and mineral (mainly coal) geology as well as geophysical data available, the authors made a comprehensive study of the probability of the existence of coal-bearing formations, the occurrence characteristics of coal-bearing formations of different epochs, the fault structures that control the coal-bearing areas in the tectonic plates and Grade 2 tectonic units within Altay region and its adjacent areas of Xinjiang. It is concluded that there exist no coal-bearing formations in areas north of Sitebahan (No. 2) large fault. This paper also makes a preliminary discussion on the distribution and occurrence characteristics of Carboniferous, Permian and Jurassic coal-bearing areas in the tectonic units south of No. 2 large fault and, what is more, provides targets for coal prospecting in the study area.