Nine coals from Spanish, British, German, and American mining basins were hydrogenated using Fe catalyst precursors (red mud and FeSO4), without solvent at 300, 350, and 400 degrees C and 10 MPa of H-2. Overall conversion and product distribution are related to the textural characteristics of the original coals and are studied throughout the distinct hydrogenation processes. Results reveal that with FeSO4 as a catalyst precursor, conversions increase with coal surface area. However, when red mud (RM) is used, conversions are independent of coal textural characteristics. Higher conversions are obtained with FeSO4 than with RM at 300 and 350 degrees C whereas at 400 degrees C higher conversions are obtained with RM. This different catalytic activity is also reflected in the changes of the textural characteristics observed in each case. Up to 350 degrees C, the residues from FeSO4-catalyzed processes reveal increased microporosity destruction and a greater increase in meso- and macropore volume. At 400 degrees C, however, both these effects are greater for RM.