Coal beneficiation is one of the most effective methods for removing minerals (such as gangues and pyrite) and pollutants (such as sulfur) before the burning of coal. In general, the beneficiation process of low rank coals is more difficult to achieve than that of bituminous and/or anthracite coals. However, about 50% of the world's total coal deposits are low rank coals. It is urgently required to develop effective beneficiation technologies for low rank coals. This review highlights recent advances in beneficiation technologies for low rank coals. Physical (gravity and magnetic separation), chemical (leaching), physico-chemical (flotation and oil agglomeration) and bio-beneficiation technologies are summarized in detail. Effective beneficiation technologies for low rank coals in the future are also suggested throughout this paper. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.