To investigate the characteristics of coal dust generation when cut by a roadheader, a system was designed for performing cutting experiments. The aerodynamic diameter distribution of dust was tested by a laser particle size analyzer. Correlations between the coal proximate compositions and the characteristics of dust generation were studied. Results showed that fixed carbon had significantly positive correlations with the cumulative proportion of respirable dust and the rate of dust generation. The bonded high-density pulverized core could be responsible for reducing the correlation with fine particulate matter. The presence of moisture had inhibitory effects on dust generation. Volatile matter had a slightly negative influence on dust generation, and ash was considered to have no effect. More attention should be focused on heading faces with high fixed carbon and low moisture. This study provides essential guidance for understanding the characteristics of dust generation and improving dust reduction technologies. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.