Coal is processed to produce relatively pure carbon particles of small size by first subjecting mined coal fragments to microwave energy to vaporize the water, mercury, sulfur, and like contaminants and to increase the friability of the coal. Next the fragments are pulverized and then reduced in a jet mill to produce particles of small maximum size and fine particles having an average size of about 20 microns, for use in a power plant or as a fuel for a turbine or diesel engine.
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