Abstract: A burner which is suitable for use in combusting pulverized coal and which can be used as an igniter for igniting the main burners in steam raising plant. The burner has an electrically powered torch which generates a continuous plasma which extends into a devolatilization zone of the burner, and primary conduits are provided for directing a primary supply of dense phase pulverized coal into the devolatilization zone. The burner is constructed also to include a combustion zone which surrounds the devolatilization zone. The burner is constructed also to include a comubstion zone which surrounds the devolatilization zone, and secondary conduits are provided for directing a secondary supply of pulverized coal into the combustion zone along with a supply of combustion supporting air.