In order to quantitatively study the affinity between the trace elements in coal and mineral in coal, a novel method combining low temperature ashing and float-sink was adopted for understanding the mineralogy and the distributions of trace elements, as well as the relationships between trace elements and mineral matter of the Shengfu coal. The mineralogy of the coal was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). The distributions of trace elements in coal and the mineral fractions was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results indicated phase mineral compositions of low temperature ash and light mineral fractions are almost the same. And the major compositions are quartz, calcite, bassanite, while some kaolinite and iolite can also be identified. Heavy mineral fraction is enriched in iron and calcium bearing minerals, including pyrite, siderite, calcium, gypsum, quartz and coquimbite. Minerals are the major host for the trace elements in coal. Trace elements which are enriched in light mineral fraction of Shenfu coal including Li, Be, Sc, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Th, Zr and Hf. While V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, Re, Pb, U, Sn and As are obviously enriched in heavy mineral fractions in coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]