Abstract: Core samples from the deeply buried Ordovician Majiagou Formation below the Huainan Coalfield (E China) have been investigated for their carbonate types, major and trace elements (including rare earth elements) and C and O isotopes. The objective was to get a better insight into the possible occurrences of gas (and possibly oil) derived from Carboniferous coals. It was found that the carbonates are dolomites with strongly varying amounts of CaO and MgO. The low concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 indicate deposition in a normal marine environment with little terrigenous input. The Na2O/K2O, Fe/Mn and Sr/Ba ratios, as well as the Ga values indicate mainly a marine salinity and a hot and humid climate. The slight depletion of Ce and Eu, the depletion of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and the enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) indicate deposition in a reducing environment. It thus appears that the Majiagou Formation below the Huainan Coalfield closely resembles that in the eastern part of the Ordos Basin, where several gas reservoirs are present, so that the Majiagou Formation under the Huainan Coalfield represents a promising target for hydrocarbon exploration.