Abstract: To address the key technical challenge of low top coal recovery rate in China's fully mechanized top coal caving mining process, we investigate the impact of various mining parameters on top coal recovery efficiency and explores process optimization strategies. Using discrete element numerical simulation software, a computational model was developed to analyze the movement and extraction patterns of top coal under different drawing intervals and release methods.The findings indicate that, compared with a one-cut-one-release method, the two-cuts-one-release and three-cuts-one-release methods significantly improve top coal recovery. Based on actual mining conditions, the two-cuts-one-release method yields the best results. Additionally, the double-wheel staggered release method outperforms the other three methods in terms of top coal recovery rate. Coordinated optimization of drawing intervals and methods is an effective approach to enhance top coal recovery rates in fully mechanized top coal caving faces. For the specific mine conditions discussed in this study, the recommended combination is the "two-cuts-one-release" interval paired with the "double-wheel staggered" release method. This combined approach can significantly boost top coal recovery rates.