The article deals with the problem of choosing a strategy for managing the coal industry and coal enterprises in the context of various economies of the world. The factors of the economic and ecological justification for either extension or termination of the coal enterprises’ functioning are analyzed. A comparison of key indicators for energy generation based on coal combustion and the use of alternative energy sources is given. The concept of synchro-miningfor extending the life cycle of a coal mine in a market economy is proposed.