The article gives information on geological features and locations of coal deposits, degree of exploration, coal reserves and extraction dynamics over the period from 1975 to 2015. Generation of the Tajikistan coal industry and its role in the national economy is described. The scope of the discussion encompasses measures aimed to enhance coal production and use in heat energy generation, metallurgy and in the industries of building materials and mineral fertilizers, to increase the number of jobs and improve the socioeconomic situation in Tajikistan.