Yari Minerals has announced a maiden JORC Indicated Coal Resource of approximately 33.7 million tonnes at its Rolleston South Coal Project, boosting the total coal resource by 17% to around 223 million tonnes. The discovery of shallow coal seams and ongoing quality testing highlight the project's growing potential.
- Maiden JORC Indicated Resource of ~33.7Mt established
- Total Coal Resource increased by 17% to ~223Mt
- Shallow coal intercepted at 48.9m depth
- Comprehensive coal quality testwork underway
- Final drillholes pending due to ground conditions
Resource Upgrade and Drilling Progress
Yari Minerals Limited (ASX, YAR) has taken a significant step forward at its Rolleston South Coal Project in Queensland, announcing a maiden JORC Indicated Coal Resource of 33.74 million tonnes. This milestone follows the completion of four additional drillholes totaling nearly 1,288 metres, which have enhanced geological confidence and confirmed the continuity of coal seams across the project area.
The recent drilling campaign has not only increased the Indicated Resource but also contributed to a 17% uplift in the total coal resource estimate, now standing at approximately 223 million tonnes. Notably, coal was intercepted at a shallow depth of just 48.9 metres, underscoring the potential for near-surface mining operations that could reduce extraction costs and improve project economics.
Coal Quality and Geological Insights
Core samples from the latest drilling have been dispatched for detailed laboratory analysis, including proximate analysis, washability profiling, yield determinations, petrography, and Crucible Swell Number (CSN) testing. These tests aim to develop a comprehensive coal specification sheet, which will be critical in assessing the product's suitability for thermal and semi-soft metallurgical coal markets.
Preliminary results reaffirm the high-grade nature of the coal, with low ash content and strong calorific values consistent with export thermal coal standards. The project’s location within the Bowen Basin, a well-established coal-producing region, and its proximity to existing rail and port infrastructure; specifically the Aurizon Blackwater Rail System and the Port of Gladstone; further enhance its commercial appeal.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Access
Situated just 15 kilometres southwest of Rolleston and approximately 275 kilometres from Gladstone, the Rolleston South Coal Project benefits from excellent logistical advantages. The nearby sealed Carnarvon and Dawson Highways provide reliable road access, while the Blackwater Rail System offers a direct route to export facilities. This infrastructure connectivity is a key factor in the project's potential to deliver shareholder value as it advances through further drilling and development phases.
Next Steps and Outlook
While four drillholes have been completed, final holes remain pending due to challenging ground conditions, with plans to complete them in the second quarter of 2026. Yari Minerals anticipates releasing further coal quality results and updated geological interpretations throughout the first quarter, which will provide greater clarity on resource classification and mining potential.
Managing Director Courtney Taylor highlighted the importance of this resource upgrade, noting that the shallow coal intercepts and increased confidence in seam continuity mark a pivotal advancement for the project. As Yari continues to engage with potential market counterparties, the combination of resource scale, quality, and infrastructure access positions Rolleston South as a compelling opportunity in Queensland’s coal sector.
Bottom Line?
Yari Minerals’ maiden Indicated Resource and shallow coal discovery set the stage for unlocking value at Rolleston South, with upcoming drilling and quality results poised to shape the project’s next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming coal quality results influence the project's product positioning?
- What are the timelines and challenges for completing the remaining drillholes?
- How might evolving market conditions impact the economic viability of near-surface mining at Rolleston South?