The effect of grinding coal in perchloroethylene, use of different sulfur extraction conditions, and separation of coal from other mineral matter were studied using the Midwest Ore Processing Co., Inc. proprietary perchloroethylene coal beneficiation process. Solvent grinding of coal in perchloroethylene reduces generation of fine (− 0.149 mm) particles, increases the mill capacity, and reduces power consumption. Extraction at atmospheric pressure and 120°C removes up to 75% of the organic sulfur for Indiana No. 5 and Illinois No. 6 coals with essentially no change in the pyritic sulfur. Organic sulfur removal can be enhanced for the Indiana coal by heating in warm, moist air. One stage gravity sedimentation at a specific gravity of 1.4 reduces the pyritic sulfur by 80% for the same coals when ground to less than 0.595 mm.