The Ashford Coking Coal Project is located in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, approximately 10km north of Ashford and 65km north of Inverell. The Project comprises exploration licences EL6234 and EL6428 and is held through Clara’s wholly owned subsidiary, Renison Coal Pty Ltd.
Ashford is being assessed as a potential conventional open cut mining operation targeting the production of coking coal products for export markets. Historical mining operations previously supplied coal to the Ashford power station, with mining activities undertaken between 1954 and 1989.
The project benefits from extensive historical work, including approximately 200 bore holes completed across the EL6234 area, providing a well-understood geological dataset to support ongoing technical studies and project evaluation.
The Ashford Project is strategically positioned to benefit from the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s Inland Rail Project, which is expected to improve logistics and export pathways across eastern Australia.
The Company believes the Inland Rail development has the potential to materially improve the long-term logistics and economics of the project.
Clara is progressing a scoping study examining the viability of developing Ashford as an export-focused coking coal operation.
The Company has engaged independent technical specialists to complete concept-level technical and commercial work across multiple study areas.
The Ashford Project is strategically positioned to benefit from the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s Inland Rail Project, which is expected to improve logistics and export pathways across eastern Australia. Key infrastructure advantages include:
Approximately 100km from the Inland Rail alignment Potential access to the Hunter Valley coal rail network and Newcastle Port export infrastructure Potential train loading facilities proposed near North Star Strong regional transport connectivity and established infrastructure corridors The Company believes the Inland Rail development has the potential to materially improve the long-term logistics and economics of the project.
Project Studies & Advancement Clara is progressing a scoping study examining the viability of developing Ashford as an export-focused coking coal operation.
The study is assessing: Mining and processing assumptions Logistics and transport pathways Coal pricing forecasts and market conditions Project development scheduling Financial and technical metrics Key project risks and opportunities The Company has engaged independent technical specialists to complete concept-level technical and commercial work across multiple study areas.
Environmental & Stakeholder Engagement Preparation work for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is underway, including baseline environmental studies and stakeholder consultation programs.
Clara continues to engage with landholders, local stakeholders and representatives of the Gomeroi indigenous group as part of the project advancement process. The approvals pathway is expected to progress through a defined statutory process prior to any potential mining lease application.
The Ashford Project is strategically positioned near the Inland Rail corridor, providing potential access to key export infrastructure including the Hunter Valley rail network and Newcastle Port. The project also benefits from established regional transport corridors and proposed train loading infrastructure near North Star.
Clara is advancing a scoping study assessing the potential development of Ashford as an export-focused coking coal operation. Workstreams include mining and processing assumptions, logistics, market analysis, financial modelling and project scheduling, supported by independent technical specialists.
Baseline environmental studies and stakeholder engagement programs are underway as part of preparations for the Environmental Impact Study (EIS). Clara continues to engage with landholders, local stakeholders and representatives of the Gomeroi indigenous group as the project advances through the approvals process.