Yari Resources (ASX:YAR) has appointed Courtney Taylor as Managing Director to spearhead its Queensland coal expansion, rebranding to reflect a focused strategy on the Rolleston South Coal Project in the Bowen Basin. The June quarter report highlights progress in drilling, coal quality work, and strategic partnerships while maintaining disciplined capital management.
- Courtney Taylor appointed Managing Director with deep Bowen Basin expertise
- Company rebrands to Yari Resources reflecting Queensland coal focus
- Rolleston South drilling confirms shallow coal intercepts, halts further holes
- Active engagement with strategic partners for joint venture and offtake
- Exploration expenditure $0.202 million; cash position $0.492 million
New Leadership Drives Queensland Coal Ambitions
Yari Resources has turned a new page with the appointment of Courtney Taylor as Managing Director, effective 9 June 2026. Taylor, a Brisbane-based geologist with over 17 years’ experience across coal geology, exploration, and executive roles, is tasked with leading Yari’s push to unlock a district-scale resource in the Bowen Basin’s Rolleston region. Her background includes senior positions at BHP Technology, Anglo American, and Vale, alongside expertise in AI-driven exploration technology through OreFox AI.
Her immediate priority is a comprehensive technical review of Yari’s Rolleston assets, aiming to build a robust plan for advancing the project. This marks a disciplined shift in capital allocation, with non-core assets such as the Pilbara Lithium portfolio under scrutiny to ensure focus remains on the Bowen Basin coal expansion.
Rebranding Signals Strategic Focus on Bowen Basin
The company’s recent name change to Yari Resources Limited, approved at the 29 May AGM, reflects a sharpened corporate identity centred on Queensland coal. The rebranding aligns with the company’s pivot to the Rolleston South Coal Project and its ambition to develop a long-life, multi-deposit mining operation in one of the world’s premier coal provinces.
Executive Chairman Eduardo Robaina emphasised that Taylor’s appointment and the name change underscore Yari’s commitment to delivering shareholder value from its Bowen Basin assets, leveraging local leadership and expertise.
Drilling and Resource Development Progress
During the quarter, Yari completed rehabilitation of drill sites from its 2025 Rolleston South drilling program, which confirmed shallow coal intercepts from as little as 48.93 metres depth. This outcome de-risks the project’s near-surface geology and supports the existing resource base.
Following a cost and data review, the Board decided to defer the remaining two planned drill holes, redirecting capital towards the broader technical review led by Taylor. The project holds a JORC (2012) Inferred Mineral Resource of 222.9 million tonnes of high-quality thermal coal, including 33.7 million tonnes classified as Indicated. The coal quality testwork continues to underpin the potential for export-quality thermal coal and semi-soft metallurgical applications.
Infrastructure Advantage and Partner Engagement
Rolleston South benefits from proximity to established infrastructure, including the Blackwater rail system and Port of Gladstone, critical for export pathways. Yari is actively engaging with potential strategic partners and commodity traders to explore joint ventures and offtake agreements, consistent with its strategy to accelerate project development through collaboration rather than going it alone.
Further coal quality results, geological interpretations, and targeted drilling outcomes are anticipated in upcoming periods as the company advances towards the next development stage.
Financial Discipline Amid Exploration and Corporate Activity
Exploration expenditure during the quarter was modest at $0.202 million, reflecting the company’s focus on technical review over aggressive drilling. Cash reserves stood at $0.492 million as of 30 June 2026, underscoring a tight capital management approach.
To conserve cash and align management incentives, Yari issued 31.5 million performance rights to directors, enabling remuneration to be delivered in equity rather than cash. The company’s Annual General Meeting saw all resolutions passed, including the name change, signaling shareholder support for the new strategic direction.
Investor Engagement and Market Presence
Yari has maintained active investor relations, with Managing Director Taylor presenting at key industry events such as the Austex x AMEC Brisbane Resources Lunch and the Gold Coast Investment Showcase. Post-quarter, Yari continued its outreach at AMEC’s Noosa Pitch’n’Pizza and the Sydney Mining Club’s “Coal! Back on the Political Map” event, reflecting a commitment to transparent communication and market engagement.
The appointment of international communications firm Fensom Advisory further signals Yari’s intent to broaden its profile among investors, media, and stakeholders as it progresses its Bowen Basin ambitions.
Bottom Line?
Yari Resources is consolidating leadership and technical foundations to advance its Bowen Basin coal project, but the pace of resource growth and partner deals will be key to unlocking shareholder value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Yari secure strategic joint ventures or offtake agreements to accelerate Rolleston South development?
- How will the technical review under Courtney Taylor reshape the drilling and resource expansion plans?
- What impact will disciplined capital management and performance rights have on operational momentum?