Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the continuous removal of contaminants from coal to produce a clean purified fuel. The processes generally comprise producing a clean coal product having a mineral matter content of less than about 5 percent by weight from coal and coal derivatives by leaching feed coal crushed or sized to less than about 1 inch with a mixture of hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids comprising less than about 70 weight percent HF and less than about 38 weight percent HCl at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature below the boiling point of the acid mixture.