Coal＇s long term future as a leading energy source is predicated on the development of new utilisation technologies. Environmental controls will become increasingly rigorous requiring new techniques and processes for coal＇s use as a fuel in the power generation and metallurgical industries Many new technologies are emerging which will improve the cost effectiveness and technical performance of coal while maintaining its environmental acceptability. Mining companies must understand the implications of these emerging technologies, particularly if they require users to match coal with exacting quality characteristics. As a major coal exporter Australia is embarking on a significant effort to provide this understanding for the utilisation of its coals. This paper reviews emerging coal utilisation technologies and the likely coal quality requirements of each. The economic and environmental considerations of these new technologies are also discussed.