Relevance. Due to a decrease in the export potential of coals, there is a steady interest of coal companies in obtaining additional products from the raw materials. Diversification of production can be achieved through deep processing of fossil fuels and obtaining products with increased added value. In this case it is promising to produce sorbents from energy coals, which are in low demand on the market, and other coals. Aim. To assess the prospects for obtaining sorbents from coals of grades D (flame coals), DG (gas flame coals), and G (gas coals) and to expand the database of their characteristics. The sorption activity, specific surface area of sorbents and average pore diameter were studied. Methods. The research consisted of developing two approaches, conventionally designated as single-stage and two-stage technology. With single-stage technology, the source material was directly activated with superheated steam in a fluidized bed at 850°C and atmospheric pressure. The two-stage technology involved preliminary partial removal of volatile substances from the source materials in a muffle furnace, followed by activation in superheated steam at 850°C and atmospheric pressure. Results and conclusions. For the experimental studies, a database of materials under study was created; it contains information on the sorption activity determined by methylene blue and iodine, specific surface area, and average pore size. Based on the experimental investigations, it was found that the average pore size for the materials under study, regardless of the activation method, was 2.2–2.4 nm. The sorption activity by methylene blue in most cases ranges from 60 to 80 mg/g, and for iodine, it ranges from 8 to 13%.