Thoughts on the development of coal preparation technology under the scenario of reaching a peak in carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality

As the source and foundation of clean coal technology, coal preparation plays an important role in energy conservation, ease of transportation load and reduction of carbon emissions and environmental pollution. The paper presents a brief account of the state-of-the-art of China's coal preparation technology. In order to meet the technical requirements targeted for realizing clean, high-efficiency and low-carbon utilization of coal against the backdrop of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, it is proposed to strengthen the work on the following aspects from the angle of coal preparation sector: separation of maceral and petrographic components, dry cleaning of fine coal, upgrading of bulk low-rank coal through flotation and its utilization , study of basic theories of coal preparation and tackling of key technologies, so as to boost the all-round development of coal preparation technology and energy-efficient utilization of coal.