Process for suppressing the dusting of coal

In a process for treating coal with dust suppressing liquid, an improvement comprising:

• drying the coal to an extent needed for providing a water content which is insufficient for binding dust particles to larger particles;
• segregating dust particles from larger particles;
• treating the larger particles with liquid in a situation and manner such that the larger particles are wetted preferentially with the treating liquid relative to dust forming smaller particles, and are wetted to an extent providing agglomeration sites along their surfaces;
• mixing the dust particles and larger particles so that the treated larger particles are repetitively contacted by the dust particles;
• and
• using as said treating liquid a pumpable but relatively viscous aqueous liquid consisting essentially of a solution of sugar and other components of sugar-forming plant material which solution tends to become sticky as it dries.