DRA's subsidiary DRA Pacific will be in charge of the coal-handling preparation plant (CHPP) design and completion of associated initiatives to advance the project towards an investment decision.

Vitrinite, which acquired the Vulcan asset last year in September, said the mine complex contained multiple target coal seams with "premium hard coking coal properties". It's also situated close to already operating mines, existing infrastructure and proven economic resources.

Vitrinite founder and managing director Nick Williams said the company chose DRA for these studies due to its strong coal expertise in the local area. To date, DRA has undertaken more than 400 coal studies and projects around the world.