Abstract: After the process of coal mine informatization has gone through the two stages of construction of digital mines and perception mines, it is currently moving towards a smart mine featuring thorough perception, deep interconnection and intelligent applications. This article, based on the international development background of "Industry 4.0", in accordance with the guidelines and policies of "Made in China 2025", using the industrialization reference models of Germany, the United States, and Japan as references, and combining the characteristics of the coal industryproposes a reference model for smart mine construction in line with national conditions from the perspective of top-level design. The model clarifies the basic elements and relationships involved in the construction of smart mines from the three dimensions of activity level, organization level, and value chain. Based on the reference model, the existing problems and status quo of smart mines are analysed and the directions that should be focused on in the future construction is pointed out.