This review explores the current state and future directions of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) fire prevention materials. Mine fires are a major disaster in China's coal mining industry, posing serious threats to worker safety and economic losses. Fire prevention materials such as grout, inert gas, foam, gel, and chemical retardants are widely used. However, these materials face challenges such as limited effectiveness, poor stability, and environmental impact. The study reviews the mechanisms of physical, chemical, and physicochemical inhibition methods, highlighting the role of antioxidants and composite materials in improving fire prevention efficiency. It also discusses the development of new materials, including foam, gel foam, and composite inhibitors, which show promising results in inhibiting CSC. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms of inhibition and the development of more effective, environmentally friendly materials. The review concludes that future research should focus on improving the performance of existing materials, exploring new technologies, and enhancing the safety and efficiency of coal mining operations. The study also highlights the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the complex and dynamic mining environment, as well as the need for better understanding of the chemical and physical processes involved in CSC. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of fire prevention materials and outlines key research directions for future development.This review explores the current state and future directions of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) fire prevention materials. Mine fires are a major disaster in China's coal mining industry, posing serious threats to worker safety and economic losses. Fire prevention materials such as grout, inert gas, foam, gel, and chemical retardants are widely used. However, these materials face challenges such as limited effectiveness, poor stability, and environmental impact. The study reviews the mechanisms of physical, chemical, and physicochemical inhibition methods, highlighting the role of antioxidants and composite materials in improving fire prevention efficiency. It also discusses the development of new materials, including foam, gel foam, and composite inhibitors, which show promising results in inhibiting CSC. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms of inhibition and the development of more effective, environmentally friendly materials. The review concludes that future research should focus on improving the performance of existing materials, exploring new technologies, and enhancing the safety and efficiency of coal mining operations. The study also highlights the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the complex and dynamic mining environment, as well as the need for better understanding of the chemical and physical processes involved in CSC. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of fire prevention materials and outlines key research directions for future development.