Seven different heterogeneous catalysts are tested for the catalytic coprocessing of a Catalan lignite with vacuum residue under atmosphere of hydrogen. Four of these catalysts were iron-based catalysts supported on gamma-alumina with increasing loading of iron oxide. The fifth was a bimodal catalyst of iron and molybdenum. The last two catalysts were commercial hydrotreatment catalysts. Also, tests were conducted with gamma-alumina and without catalyst. The experimental results show that the catalytic performance of these catalysts is modified by the high level of mineral matter present in this lignite. The highest values of coal conversion are obtained without catalyst and with the catalysts containing the highest loading of iron. However, the increase of the percentage of iron does not produce considerable influence on both coal conversion and production of oils. The conversion in oils increases with the hydrotreatment catalysts, though the quality of the products yielded is not much better than that obtained with other catalysts.