Coal oxidation at low temperatures (i.e. < 100 degreesC) is the major heat source responsible for the self-heating and spontaneous combustion of coal and is an important source of greenhouse gas emissions. This review focuses on the chemical reactions occurring during low-temperature oxidation of coal. Current understanding indicates that this process involves consumption of O-2, formation of solid oxygenated complexes, thermal decomposition of solid oxygenated complexes and generation of gaseous oxidation products. Parameters, such as mass change, heat release, oxygen consumption, and formation of oxidation products in the gas or solid phase, have been used to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the oxidation process. Reaction mechanisms have been proposed to explain the characteristics of consumption of O-2, and formation of oxidation products in the gas and solid phases. Various kinetic models have also been developed to describe the rate of oxygen consumption and the rates of formation of gaseous oxidation products in terms of the rate parameters of the relevant reactions, oxidation time, temperature, and initial concentration of oxygen in the oxidising medium. Further research emphasis should be placed on the formation of the complete reaction pathways proceeding in the oxidation process and on the development of kinetic models applicable for predicting the self-heating and gas emission in a coal seam or stockpile. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.