The paper presents the state of preparation of Polish mining industry to functioning in compliance with European Union rules. According to the author's opinion there exist a very big delay in adjusting works. In consequence it may lead to collapse of coal mines and coal companies functioning. The problem of coal mines profitability evaluation is shown in the paper. It is stated that the criteria used now are based on wrong assumptions. The proper, in the author's opinion., way of thinking about coal mines profitability is presented. The methods of coal pricing as well as coal production cost calculation are given. These methods are based on the EU documents. The necessity of ranking coal mines basing on they future profitability is also stated. The possibility of taking advantage of those rankings by government in the area of preparation the national plans of accessing coal reserves and reduction of activity is shown.