A process for removing ash from raw coal is described, comprising adding mineral oil to a slurry composed of a coal powder and water, granulating the coal by stirring to form granules, and separating the resulting coal granules by a screen, wherein the improvement comprises granulating the coal using a mineral oil mixture consisting of from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a heavy fraction having a boiling point of at least 330.degree. C. and from 90 to 99.9% by weight of a light fraction having a boiling point of 230.degree. C. or less, heating the coal granules separated by the screen to evaporate and recover almost all of the light fraction, and reusing the recovered light fraction for granulation of additional coal granules.