Size reduction of materials by grinding, cutting, shredding, chopping, etc. Solids can be reduced to a particle size approaching 1 micron in special fine-grinding equipment. Comminution of coal by chemical means is possible via a low molecular weight compound such as sodium hydroxide or anhydrous ethanol, which penetrates the natural fault system of the coal, causing fragmentation without mechanical crushing. This permits removal of sulfur from coal without burning or grinding. Approximately 100 lbs of chemical are needed per ton of coal.