Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for production of activated carbon from a coal-originating particulate feed material. Feed material and activating gas are introduced into a reaction chamber, the activating gas being introduced at a velocity above the average terminal velocity of particles within the feed material. Feed material is then entrained in the activating gas such that a recirculating flow path for the feed material is established within the reaction chamber. Activated material may then be recovered from the chamber.