a process for removing mineral matter from coal is disclosed . the process involves creating ultrafine coal by pulverizing the coal feed material and mixing it with an aqueous amine solution . the coal / amine solution is fed into a flotation cell and gaseous carbon dioxide is charged into the cell . the carbon dioxide reacts with the amine solution to form bubbles which carry the &# 34 ; clean &# 34 ; coal component of the coal feed material to the top of the cell for subsequent removal from the cell . the bubbles are reduced in size as they move up within the cell . the mineral matter , which is heavier than the clean coal , stays at the bottom of the cell and can be removed separately . the amine and the carbon dioxide used in the process can be recycled . an associated apparatus is also disclosed .