A system for preparing a coal water slurry, comprising: a first unit for providing a stream of coarse coal water slurry; a second unit for providing a stream of fine coal water slurry; a concentration unit for receiving a portion of at least one of the stream of coarse coal water slurry and the stream of fine coal water slurry, and, providing a concentrated stream having a higher coal concentration than the portion of at least one of the stream of coarse coal water slurry and the stream of fine coal water slurry; and a mixing unit for mixing the concentrated stream and the remaining portions of the stream of coarse coal water slurry and the stream of fine coal water slurry. An associated method is also presented.