The avalanching behaviour of two coal types was determined, one of good and the other of poor handleability characteristics. This revealed significant differences in the nature of dow of the coals. Analysis of the strange attractors of the weight series of avalanches enabled quanitification of this difference, and the establishment of practical, relative criteria for the measurement of coal handleability. These criteria will now enable a structured study of the variables that affect handleability, for example proportion of fines and moisture content, and industrial consumers of coal to specify minimum acceptable limits for its transport characteristics.