<p>Experiments are conducted on the ignition and combustion of low-grade coal and its processing waste after mechanical and chemical activation. A method is developed for studying the reactivity of coal. On a laboratory test bench, well-known methods for determining the combustion conditions of coal (including lignite, Kuznetsk Basin coal, and Ekibastuz coal) are employed. Calibration of Kuznetsk Basin coal is completed. The axial and tangential combustion rates are determined for analysis and graphical interpretation. The ignition parameters of the coal samples are determined, and a system for monitoring the ignition is developed. The proposed method includes differential scanning calorimetry and mass spectrometric analysis of the gas. An example is given for thermal analysis of coal with differentiation of the stages in the process; curves for mass spectrometric analysis of the ionic currents are presented. The possibility of replacing fuel oil and gas with mechanically activated coal in the ignition and lighting systems of pulverized coal boilers is theoretically and experimentally established. The conclusion is that mechanically activated coal may be used as a universal fuel, with environmental and economic benefits. The proposed method may be used in modernizing and designing thermal power stations.</p>