Yari Minerals has appointed Xenith Consulting as project manager to lead a 2000m drilling program at its Rolleston South coal project.

The company this week announced it had obtained essential regulatory and landholder approvals, paving the way for its inaugural drilling campaign to get underway.

Related: Yari cashed up for Rolleston South drill campaign

“Following strong support from shareholders from the recent capital raising, the board has fast-tracked the inaugural drilling campaign at the Rolleston South coal project,” Yari managing director Anthony Italiano said.

“By appointing Xenith Consulting, a highly experienced coal sector consultancy as project manager, Yari is well-positioned to execute an efficient and effective program.

“This pivotal step in Yari’s strategic shift to the coal sector, holds the potential to deliver significant shareholder value.”

Yari Minerals acquired the Rolleston South coal project, situated near Glencore’s Rolleston open-cut coal mine, in May through the acquisition of owner Resource Chain.

It plans six reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drill holes in the maiden drilling campaign.

The program aims to:

• Test high-priority targets to potentially upgrade the existing 190Mt JORC inferred resource to indicated status;
• Confirm high-quality semi-soft metallurgical coal through targeted test-work using diamond-drilled core samples; and
• Conduct geotechnical assessments to inform and support future studies