As the resources sector navigates a shifting investment landscape, environmental, social, and governance factors are gaining prominence. Yet Yari Minerals (ASX:YAR) says coal remains a compelling opportunity for investors and the company is capitalising on the momentum.
Fresh from an east coast investor roadshow, Yari Minerals Managing Director Anthony Italiano, told Mining.com.au that interest in Yari’s projects is strong.
Yari completed the acquisition of the Rolleston South Coal Project in the Bowen Basin, Queensland in May this year.
Less than a month later, the explorer announced a 91% increase in the resource to 151 million tonnes with the assistance of coal seam gas data from neighbour State Gas (ASX:GAS).
Yari is preparing for next week’s Noosa Mining Investment Conference where it will engage with drillers, strategic investors and stakeholders. The company aims to advance the Rolleston South project targeting a transition from exploration to mining lease tenure in 2026.
While Queensland has historically been overshadowed by other resource-rich states for investment conferences, the tide is turning. The Noosa Mining Conference, established in 2011, is part of a growing Queensland conference scene that Italiano sees as vital for showcasing the state’s mining potential.
“Bringing investors to the region where mining happens is critical,” Italiano says. “Kalgoorlie has Diggers and Dealers in the heart of the Golden Mile—you feel the energy. Queensland needs that same connection,” Italiano says.
“I think that’s really important, and especially in the coal space because you need to actually reiterate how important coal is to Queensland.”
In the 2022-2023 financial year, coal contributed around $10.5 billion in royalties to the Queensland economy. Although prices declined in the 2024-2025 financial year, the sector is still expected to provide the government with around $6.2 billion.
Yari is working to incorporate additional coal seam gas into the resource model and is also planning a maiden drilling program this year to increase the resource size and confidence.
The Noosa Mining program of 70 companies features a mix of mid-tiers and juniors, offering investors a broad snapshot of where the sector is at.
Mining.com.au is an official media partner of this year’s event, which is running 23-25 July at Peppers Noosa Resort. To register click here.
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock
