The evaluation of the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method, for the analysis of major, minor and trace elements present in the mineral matter of coal, using an apparatus with sources of radioisotope elements, is described. Analyses were performed on both coal and coal ash samples and the results were compared. From these results it can be concluded that, the precision and accuracy obtained is lower than that of those XRF techniques in which an X-ray tube is used as an X-ray source. However, it is satisfactory for the rapid routine analysis of some major and minor elements. The advantage of the method is its potentially wide application in industry for quick analysis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.