[en] Alpha (Rutherford) backscattering involves relatively simple, inexpensive equipment that could be automated, and in conjunction with a sample preparation system, deliver some five sample analyses per hour. As a method of component analysis, charged particle backscattering is complementary to fluorescent x-ray or Auger electron schemes: the latter provide optimum resolution for nuclear species of large atomic mass, whereas particle scattering offers optimum resolution for low-mass species such as C, O, N, S, and Si, the principle components of coal, ash, and char. Preliminary results are reported for a number of representative coal samples; the source used in this work, Cm₂₄₄, has high specific activity and a long lifetime (18 years), yet is readily available. Initial work was based on a considerably wider-than-optimum solid angle, which did not permit resolution of individual ash components. However, the carbon/ash ratio was readily obtainable and Btu values which, in most cases lie within statistical error margins, could be calculated from these measurements. A stronger source would permit restriction of the solid angle and thus should improve the resolution while reducing the time required per analysis. In comparison to other coal analysis schemes, alpha backscattering produces somewhat primitive results, but also costs less than one percent of typical Ge(Li) capture gamma analysis systems; it necessarily requires some scheme of representative sampling whilst capture gamma analysis can be deployed on-line, scanning the entire coal feedline. thus, the backscattering scheme could best be used in multiple units, e.g., to ascertain the coal/ash ratio before and after some step in coal conversion or preparation, where the high cost ($1 M) of on-line systems based on capture analysis would make multiple deployment impractical