The role of the Australian Coal Preparation Society is to distinguish and consolidate the profession of coal preparation in Australia through education, training and technology transfer, and to assist the Australian industry in maintaining world’s best practice.

The Coal Preparation Society of NSW was founded in 1966, and the Queensland Branch in 1967. In 1989 the NSW and Queensland Societies amalgamated to form the Australian Coal Preparation Society which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

The main technical and social activities of the Society are organised and implemented by the NSW and Queensland branches through their branch committees, with the National Committee being responsible for matters of national interest, for example conferences and publications, and providing umbrella co-ordination and ensuring that the Society meets its responsibilities as an incorporated company.