The present work consists of verifying a theoretical model based on mass distribution of trace elements in coal. Many versions of the model were tested using 42 elements in 8 different coals (5 American, 2 Brazilian and 1 Spanish). The calculated partial concentrations of elements in organic and inorganic (sulfide, carbonate and sulfate) fractions were obtained. These results could be summarised as following: B, Be, Br, Ge and V are associated to organic coal fraction while As, Cd, Co, Cu, Dy, Hg, Lu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, W and Zn occur mainly in sulfide minerals and Ba, Cr, Cs, Ga, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ta, U and Zr are distributed in the non-sulfide fraction. Finally, the volatility of trace elements was estimated using the calculated partial concentrations in organic and sulfide fractions. The applicability of this parameter in related environmental problems was discussed, comparing model results with experimental and theoretical literature data of the mobilisation of these species into atmosphere.