Yari Minerals has lifted its total coal resource at Rolleston South to approximately 223 million tonnes, including a maiden indicated resource of 33.7 million tonnes. The project’s shallow coal seams and strong quality underpin potential open-cut mining and export opportunities.
- 17% increase in total coal resource to ~223Mt
- Maiden JORC Indicated Resource of 33.7Mt defined
- Shallow coal intersected at ~48.9m depth
- Coal quality supports export thermal coal with low ash
- Executive Director Courtney Taylor appointed to lead development
Significant Resource Upgrade Strengthens Rolleston South Prospects
Yari Minerals (ASX:YAR) has revealed a 17% increase in its total coal resource at the Rolleston South Coal Project, now estimated at approximately 223 million tonnes. This uplift includes a maiden JORC Indicated Resource of 33.7 million tonnes, a milestone that boosts geological confidence and signals growing development potential in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
The resource upgrade reflects data from four additional drillholes completed in late 2025, which confirmed consistent coal intersections across multiple seams (A, B, C, and D). The updated geological model portrays a laterally continuous, layered coal system, enhancing the project’s scalability prospects. Notably, the shallow depth of the A seam, starting at around 48.9 metres, opens the door for near-surface, open-cut mining scenarios that could reduce strip ratios and improve economics.
These developments build on the company’s earlier confirmation of a substantial 222.9Mt resource base and ongoing efforts to convert inferred resources to indicated status, as detailed in the company’s maiden JORC Indicated Resource announcement from February 2026.
Coal Quality Tests Support Export and Metallurgical Potential
Coal quality testwork from drillhole RSC015C reinforced the project’s commercial appeal. Results showed low raw ash content (~7–8% ash after washing), high theoretical yields of about 85%, and low levels of sulphur (~0.35%) and phosphorus (~0.07%). These attributes suggest the coal could meet stringent export thermal coal specifications and hold promise for semi-soft metallurgical applications pending further studies.
The favourable washability characteristics and low impurities align with previous findings validating Rolleston South’s coal quality, which underpin the company’s strategy to attract joint venture partners and offtake agreements. This approach was highlighted in Yari’s recent coal quality validation(b3315239-4d0c-4e01-ba0e-93d567b99ab) report, which emphasised the project’s export market suitability.
Strategic Leadership and Infrastructure Positioning
To steer the project’s next phase, Yari appointed Courtney Taylor as Executive Director during the quarter. Taylor’s leadership will focus on advancing the Rolleston South Coal Project, leveraging its proximity to established infrastructure such as the Blackwater rail system and the Port of Gladstone, which are critical for cost-effective export logistics.
Yari’s ongoing engagement with strategic partners and commodity traders aims to explore joint venture and offtake pathways, a strategy consistent with its broader ambition to develop Rolleston South into a district-scale mining complex. This aligns with the company’s earlier presentations outlining plans to expand resource scale and secure major coal operator involvement, as discussed in the strategic coal JV plans from March 2026.
Financial Position and Exploration Outlook
Exploration expenditure for the quarter was modest at $0.296 million, reflecting the transition from drilling to detailed analysis and planning. Yari held $0.816 million in cash as of 31 March 2026, with payments to related parties including director salaries and fees totaling $0.142 million.
Looking ahead, the company plans further coal quality testing, refined geological modelling, and targeted drilling to enhance resource confidence and delineate shallow coal zones. These steps will be crucial for shaping development studies and refining project economics.
Bottom Line?
Yari’s resource upgrade and quality confirmation at Rolleston South set a stronger foundation, but advancing joint ventures and securing funding remain critical next steps.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Yari’s new executive leadership influence joint venture and offtake negotiations?
- What impact will shallow coal depths have on the project’s development timeline and cost structure?
- Can further drilling and quality testing sustain the current resource growth momentum?