UPGRADING COAL FINES USING MICROALGAE

A method for upgrading coal fines by separating out at least some mineral components is provided. The method comprises the treatment of optionally graded coal fines with microalgae in aqueous medium to form a slurry under conditions that permit adsorption of microalgae onto particles of coal fines. The slurry is treated to separate a first fraction that is rich in coal fines together with adsorbed microalgae thereon from a second fraction that has more mineral components in it than does the first fraction and processing the first fraction to recover upgraded coal fines therefrom. Contacting is preferably carried out in a manner aimed at loading the coal fines generally evenly with microalgae adsorbed thereon in an amount of from 5 to 15% by weight of coal fines. Separation may be carried out by sedimentation, cyclone separation or flotation.