Coal from the Leigh Creek coalfield is railed to Port Augusta to generate approximately 40% of the power requirements of South Australia. Depending on the location where the coal is mined, it can contain large amounts of mineral matter. An alternative source of coal of similar quality is situated at Lock, on Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Literature from previous studies on Leigh Creek coal in the public domain was gathered together to compare with potential utilisation technologies for Lock coal. This was supported by laboratory test work using sink-float and flotation ash rejection techniques on Leigh Creek coal as an indication of possible beneficiation processes for Lock coal. Preliminary sink-float testing on Leigh Creek coal showed that close control on bath specific gravity is essential for the separation of a high-ash stream. Flotation testing confirmed previous laboratory investigations in showing that the floated product contained more mineral matter than the tailing. The implications of both of these findings for commercial operation are discussed.