Strategic metal resources are crucial for both economic growth and defense security of a nation. Coal- bearing sedimentary rock systems, with their unique geological formations, have the potential to host substantial, even super- large, deposits of strategic metals under particular geological conditions. This has established the exploration of strategic metals in coal- bearing formations as an emerging field and a novel direction in the search for mineral resources. This article focuses on the fundamental properties of coal and strategic metal resources in coal- bearing strata, examining effective cooperative exploration technologies and engineering layout for these resources. We construct comprehensive cooperative exploration models using effective geological, geophysical, geochemical, and drilling technologies. Considering the basic properties of coal and strategic metal resources in coal- bearing strata, the targets for cooperative exploration include coal- lithium/gallium deposits, coal- germanium deposits, coal- niobium- zirconium- gallium- rare earth deposits, and coal- uranium deposits. Each of these deposit types necessitates a tailored exploration approach. In terms of coal exploration technology, the cooperative exploration of coal- lithium/gallium deposits needs to strengthen the processing and analysis of seismic and logging data, coupled with advanced rock geochemical techniques for sampling and testing of the roof and floor of coal seams and partings. Similarly, the exploration of coal- germanium deposits benefits from increased sampling and testing of coal seams using advanced rock geochemistry exploration technologies. Exploring coal- niobium, zirconium, gallium, and rare earth deposits necessitates strengthening well logging techniques (natural gamma) and rock geochemistry for collecting and testing samples from layers exhibiting high natural gamma anomalies. Finally, exploring coal- uranium deposits requires fully leveraging coal borehole natural gamma logging, seismic, electromagnetic, and magnetic techniques. In areas with high natural gamma anomalies, delineating potential uranium resource areas is paramount. Strengthening the cooperative application of natural gamma spectrum logging, gamma spectrum logging, deep- penetrating geochemical exploration, and rock geochemistry is crucial, particularly in uranium exploration. Based on the distribution characteristics and economic viability of strategic metal resources in coal- bearing strata, and in accordance with comprehensive screening and regional policy principles, we determine the types of cooperative exploration projects and their layout. This includes: selection of the exploration system, layout of exploration project, sequence of exploration construction, and methods and parameters of resource estimation. We construct cooperative exploration models for coal- lithium/gallium deposits, coal- germanium deposits, coal- niobium- zirconium- gallium- rare earth deposits, and coal- uranium deposits. These models provide a theoretical and methodological basis for the cooperative exploration of coal and coal measures strategic metal minerals.