The researchers studied how to improve the separation of anthracite in Nuodong mine by analyzing its quality, size, washability, and floatability. They found that the coal is low in ash, high in sulfur, and has low anti-breaking strength. The sulfur in the coal is in the form of inorganic iron sulfide. The fine coal needs stronger separation, while coarse slime can be sorted separately. The coal washability is medium. The coal preparation plant will produce lump coal for coal chemical industry and clean coal for blast furnace blowing. The sorting scheme involves hand picking, jigging, teetered bed separator, flotation, and filter pressing.