Coal is an important fossil fuel resource for many nations due to its large remaining resources, relatively low production and processing cost and potential high energy intensity. Certain issues surround its utilisation, however, including emissions of pollutants and growing concern about climate change. The coal handbook: Towards cleaner production Volume 1 reviews the coal production supply chain from analysis to extraction and distribution. Part one explores coal characterisation and introduces the industrial use of coal as well as coal formation, petrography, reserves, sampling and analysis. Part two moves on to review coal extraction and preparation. Chapters highlight advances in coal mining technology, underground coal gas extraction, coal sizing, comminution and cleaning, and solid-liquid separation technologies for coal. Further chapters focus on economic factors affecting coal preparation, post-treatment of coal, coal tailings treatment, and the optimisation, simulation and control of coal preparation plants. Finally, part three considers aspects of the coal supply chain including the management approach and individual functions such as coal blending and homogenisation, transportation and handling along the entire supply chain. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, The coal handbook Volumes 1 and 2 is a comprehensive and invaluable resource for professionals in the coal mining, preparation, and utilisation industry, those in the power sector, including plant operators and engineers, and researchers and academics interested in this field.