A method of producing a synthetic fuel by treating fines of bituminous coal with an emulsion of a tall-oil mix, which may include enhancers that either increase the chemical change in the coal or reduce the cost of the synthetic fuel. Enhancers include poly vinyl acetate (PVA) and/or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), glycol, lignosulfonate, beet sugar bottoms, corn bottoms, brewery bottoms, vegetable tall oil, vegetable oil, and/or spent frying oil. The emulsion is sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.