Modern methods for determination of the elemental composition of coal materials are discussed. New approaches for the coal sample pretreatment for the total reflection X ray fluorescence (TXRF) assay are suggested. A new technique for sample pretreatment-preparation of suspensions-is selected. The con ditions of sample pretreatment and analysis are determined experimentally: sample weight, type and concen tration of surfactant, and internal standard. The stability of the obtained suspensions is assessed, and recom mendations for their use in TXRF assay are presented.