Four high-sulphur low-rank coals have been trated at hydrogenation conditions with three iron-based catalyst precursors: Red Mud (Fe2O3), iron sulphide and iron pentacarbonyl. The obtained yields show a dependence with the sulphur content of the coals; the organic sulphur content correlates with the conversion and THF-solubles when Red Mud and iron sulphide are added. In spite of the high hydrogen sulphide partial pressure in the reaction, the addition of other sources of sulphur enhances the percentages in conversion products.