Coal is a heterogeneous material composed of organic and inorganic constituents. Inorganic ingredients in the form of minerals and organo-bound inorganic elements are found in coal as elements of different weight ratios and trace elements. The appearance and type of elements are an important parameter that depends on the behavior of elements during the conversion of coal to other forms of matter and energy. Inorganic ingredients influence on the technological parameters, environment, human health and recycling processes. This paper presents a review of relevant literature with general information on coal, appearance forms, type and content of inorganic elements, methods of their determination and their impact on the environment. Coal as an important source of energy and raw materials for the production of other carbon materials and gases will continue to be used because of relatively large reserves. However, there is a conflict between the need to increase coal use on the one hand and lower pollution on the other.