Partial steam gasification of Mt. Klappan anthracite and Cascade semianthracite with char conversion greater than 60%, produced activated carbons with surface areas greater than 1000 m2/g. The pore structures of the activated carbons were predominantly microporous and mesoporous. The proportions of macropores were on the order of 2%. Fuel gas produced during steam activation of chars contained predominantly combustible gases, i.e., 45-55% H2 and 30-40% CO whereas the amount of CO2 ranged between 5 and 15%. Correlations of char conversion with operating parameters and surface areas were developed and used to predict the activation process. Selected samples of activated carbons were characterized for the water and wastewater treatment as well as for gold recovery.