Platinum group element (PGE) concentrations in seven Cretaceous and Tertiary coal deposits in Canada were determined using plasma mass spectrometry, neutron activation analysis, and direct current plasma spectroscopy. PGE concentrations are generally below detection limits; however, elevated values were determined in Quintette (100 to 1,700ppbplatinum and up to 180 ppb rhodium) and Blakeburn, Tulameen, samples (up to 10,000 ppb platinum). In the Quintette and Bullmoose deposits Pt increases up-section with decreasing ash, and in faulted Blakeburn coal, highest Pt and Pd values are associated with lowest ash. In the Number 2 seam, Quinsam deposit, Pd decreases upward with increasing ash. Platinum and Pd in these deposits appear to be organically associated. In the Number 1 seam, Quinsam, Pd, and ash decrease up-section, indicating a possible detrital source. Where organically associated, the PGE were likely introduced from circulating groundwaters, with elevated concentrations related to enhanced groundwater flow through faults (Blakeburn mine) or more permeable coarse-grained strata directly overlying coal seams (Quintette deposit). Coal rank does not appear to affect PGE concentrations significantly.