Proximate and ultimate analyses, % R_m , vitrinite anisotropy, Rock-Eval T _max, and biomarkers have been studied on several coal samples collected at two outcrops in the Cerro Saroche National Park (Venezuela) in order to determine their geochemical characteristics. The results indicate that these coals were deposited in a transitional paleoenvironment under weakly reducing conditions (Palaeogene Matatere Formation), and were derived from mixed organic matter input. Carbon content and other data (%Rm and anisotropy) suggest high levels of maturity (matagenesis to metamorphism) of these coals. However, this does not correspond to the low-volatile bituminous stage (late catagenesis) according to the ASTM classification by rank. These coals might have reached overmaturity as a result of heating by Neogene igneous events.