In this study, the Box-Wilson statistical experimental design method was employed to evaluate the effects of important variables such as bridging liquid (oil) concentration, salt (CaCl(2)(.)2H(2)O) concentration and stirring speed on the agglomeration of bituminous coal. Response function coefficients were determined by the regression analysis of experimental data and the predictions were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The optimum kerosene concentration, CaCl(2)(.)2H(2)O concentration and stirring speed were determined as 30 wt%, 1 M and 1683 rpm, respectively, when considering combustible recovery and ash content. In addition, contact angle and solution surface tension measurements were carried out to evaluate of agglomeration success with the contact angle values and surface tension values. The surface tension of CaCl2 2H(2)O solutions and the average contact angle increased with increasing CaCl(2)(.)2H(2)O concentration. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.