Abstract: The briquetting of bituminous coals without the use of extraneous binders is effected by a system of high temperature, high pressure mold forming of the coal fines material in an apparatus incorporating a high pressure roll-type briquetting press, to provide briquettes of enhanced quality and handeability, with good crushing strength and high impact resistance. The system incorporates a positive pressure controlled oxygen, gas recirculation flash-dryer, and a direct briquette product to raw feed heat exchange system and other innovative heat management arrangements, for high system efficiency.