GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming is partnering with a private company to develop coal refining technology.

Clean Coal Technologies Inc. is currently testing its process at an Oklahoma coal-fired power plant but plans to move the test plant to the Powder River Basin in northeast Wyoming.

The company's process reduces the moisture in coal in a way that leaves the mineral stable and safe to handle. Along with producing more energy than untreated coal, the refined product also produces fewer harmful emissions when burned, including carbon dioxide.

Richard Horner of UW's School of Energy Resources says in a statement that if the testing proves sound and Clean Coal Technologies can market its product, it would be a "potential breakthrough technology" for treating and marketing Wyoming coal.

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