In order to effectively prevent and control coal spontaneous combustion and improve the safety of coal mining, bagasse carboxymethy cellulose (BCC) prepared from bagasse (BS) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as the substrates. A gel (BCC-CMC) for inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion was prepared using a chemical crosslinking method involving zirconium citrate crosslinking and glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) modification. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to characterize both the crystal and molecular structure of bagasse and its derived bagasse carboxymethyl cellulose. The results indicated that new carboxymethyl groups were introduced into bagasse during the treatment, facilitating the successful extraction and preparation of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The results of viscosity and bonding tests demonstrated that the concentration and dosage of CMC had the most significant influence on the gel viscosity, which remained higher and more stable at room temperature. The coal bonded by the gel coal mixture can effectively seal surface cracks, with a bonding degree of up to 70.72 %. TG-DTG, temperature-programmed oxidation experiment and FTIR analyses revealed that, compared to raw coal, coal samples treated with gel exhibited improved stability, fewer active groups, and fewer oxygen-containing functional groups, effectively inhibiting coal’s low temperature oxidation and reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion. The gel is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and exhibits good flame retardant properties. This study is of great significance for preventing and controlling coal spontaneous combustion, effectively ensuring the safe production of coal resources and the safety of mine workers, achieving the green sustainable development of the mine.