A survey on the use of filters for fine coal dewatering in Australian coal washeries has revealed a clear trend towards horizontal belt filters while the use of disc filters seems to be on a constant decline after flourishing times in the 70's. This is quite surprising since disc filters have experienced many innovations over the past two decades. For many applications, modern disc filters have got the potential to outperform belt filters and make it necessary to re-think old views and re-assess disc filtration technology as a possible alternative to belt filters. After a brief description of coal filtration in Australia, a more general outline provides an overview of the state-of-the-art emphasising on a new generation of vacuum disc filters. With higher throughput rates and lower residual moisture as well as excellent operational reliability and lower costs, the new generation disc filters are capable to excel horizontal belt filter technology in a number of points, technically and commercially.