Abstract: According to the selection of mining method for extra-thick coal seam in Caojiatan Coal Mine, the paper analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the large mining height and fully-mechanized top coal caving methods and the applicability of the two mining methods in Caojiatan Coal Mine, and compared the mining methods used in the high-yield and high-efficiency working face of thick coal seam in China, it is considered that the mining height of mature technology with large height is still below 7 m. If the mining is carried out with large mining height, it will be divided into two layers. Although the mine production capacity can be ensured, a series of problems will be faced in the next stratified mining. The fully-mechanized top coal caving is suitable for the extra-thick coal seam of 10 m, which is favorable for centralized production, high yield, low roadway, simple system, strong adaptability to coal seam thickness variation. At the same time, it can reduce the working face equipment moving and roadway excavation, material consumption. In addition, compared to large mining height, the fully mechanized production equipment is localized, no need to be introduced, the purchase period is short, the investment is relatively low, and it is easy to install, dismantle, transport and repair, etc. Finally, it is concluded that fully-mechanized top coal caving is more suitable for 2-2 extra-thick coal seam.