Coal liquefaction process

A process for the liquefaction of coal comprising admixing the coal to be subjected to liquefaction with lignin wherein the amount of lignin ranges from about 0.01 to about 1% based on the weight of the coal;

• introducing the mixture of coal and lignin to a dissolver wherein said mixture is subjected to elevated temperature and elevated pressure for a period of time ranging from 0.5 to 180 minutes
• wherein said elevated temperature ranges from about 600.degree. F. to about 1000.degree. F. and wherein said elevated pressure ranges from about 50 to about 3000 psig;
• and
• separating light hydrocarbon fractions from a mixture of ash, undissolved coal, deashed coal and high quality coal extracts.