A number of trace elements are determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in clay, coal and ashes and normalized to the Sc content. The normalized concentrations of Na, Rb, Cs, REE, Hf, Ta, Th and U are constant in coal and the different ash fractions indicating the binding at the clay minerals. In the finer ash particles a small enhancement of Fe, Co, Cu, Ga, Ba and W and a more drastical concentration enhancement of As, Br and Sb was observed and explained by different forms of migration.