A comprehensive understanding of hydrogeochemical characteristics, controlling mechanisms and quality status of mine water is critical for its safe utilization in arid mining areas. In this study, 26 mine water samples from underground dewatering boreholes and 2 surface water samples were collected in July 2024 from the Jinjie Coal Mine, Yushen Coalfield, Northwest China. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Piper diagram, Gibbs diagram, Chadha plot and ion ratio methods were integrated to investigate hydrochemical characteristics, water-rock interactions and water quality suitability. The findings indicated that the pH varied from 8.07 to 8.49, with a mean of 8.29, and the electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 279.00 & micro;S/cm to 352.00 & micro;S/cm, with an average of 316.85 & micro;S/cm. In addition, the total hardness (TH) was in the range of 115.78-160.53 mg/L, and the total dissolved solids (TDS) was between 220.54 mg/L and 292.61 mg/L. The anion concentration was determined as follows: HCO3-> SO42-> Cl- while the cation content was ranked as Ca2+> Na++K+> Mg2+. The main hydrochemical type was HCO3-Ca. The dissolution of silicate and carbonate minerals, and the cation exchange process were the main processes regulating the hydrochemistry of the mine water. It was suitable for agricultural irrigation but not for human consumption due to its high NO3- concentration (which ranged from 7.47 to 15.86 mg/L, with a mean of 12.32 mg/L, and was greater than 10 mg/L according to the Chinese groundwater standard (GB/T 14848-2017)). The findings are significant for the better management and more effective utilization of mine water in China and in other arid and semi-arid mining areas worldwide.