Abstract: A method of removing ash components from coals, particularly high-ash content coals, comprises grinding the coal into ground particles and suspending the ground coals in an aqueous alkali carbonate solution. The solution is maintained in a reactor for 45 to 120 minutes at a temperature range of from 250.degree. to 280.degree. C and under a pressure of from 50 to 80 atm in order to cause the CO.sub.2 to be set free by dissociation. The CO.sub.2 is discharged from the reactor by directing an inert gas stream through the reactor and discharging the CO.sub.2 with the gas stream. The suspension is stirred and agitated at elevated temperatures and increased pressures in order to fuse the ashes. The aqueous solution containing the dissolved ash components is then separated from the coal. The removed carbon dioxide is introduced into a solution for reforming the alkali carbonate in order to cause the contents of the solution to become insoluble and separated and the alkali solution to become regenerated.