We analyzed genetic markers of genetic susceptibility that lead to development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of occupational etiology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were performed to detect a point mutation at the promoter of C-1562ЃЁT (rs3918242) of the matrix metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) gene. The study comprised 72 miners with COPD, and 79 miners without respiratory system pathology. The frequency of allocation for genotypes MMP-9 gene polymorphism C-1562ЃЁT was similar to Caucasian population. The study established the association between the minor T-allele (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-3.66) and TT (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.83-2.60) and CT (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.56-2.66) genotypes with the risk of COPD in miners of main underground occupations. Presence in the genome dominant C-allele (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 1.02-0.27) and CC genotype (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.28 - 1.28) determine the relative protective role in risk to COPD among respondents of the studied group. The results of research opens new perspectives for improving measures of primary prevention of COPD based on determining genetic predisposition to COPD development.